Louisa Reef

Louisa Reef (also known as Nantong Jiao (Chinese: 南通礁) in China and Terumbu Semarang Barat Kecil in Brunei Malay) is a coral atoll in the southern reaches of the Spratly Islands. The reef is oval in shape, approximately 1.5 km east to west and 0.5 km north to south. While most of Louisa Reef is submerged, some portions emerge at low tide and a few small rocks remain above water even at high tide. The atoll rises as deeply undercut walls and steep slopes from very deep water with extensive stony and soft corals. A navigation beacon is at its southwest point and the highest visible rock is at the southeast end.

Louisa Reef
Disputed island
Other names:
Nantong Jiao 南通礁;
Terumbu Semarang Barat Kecil
Geography
LocationSouth China Sea
Coordinates6°20′7″N 113°16′47″E
ArchipelagoSpratly Islands
Claimed by
People's Republic of China
CitySansha, Hainan
Republic of China (Taiwan)
MunicipalityCijin, Kaohsiung
Brunei
EEZBrunei zone
Extract from US Dept of State map also showing Luconia Shoals and James Shoal

Safe anchorage is difficult to find, depending on the wind and currents, but there are sandy areas at the northwest and southwest ends. The nearest reliable shelter for boats is the lagoon at Swallow Reef, 128 km to the northeast.

Malaysia previously claimed Louisa Reef and operated a small navigational light beacon there. However, Malaysia has apparently dropped its claim in deference to neighbouring Brunei.[1]

References
  1. J. Ashley Roach (2014). "South China Sea: Facts and Legal Aspects: Malaysia and Brunei: An Analysis of their Claims in the South China Sea" (PDF). Seas Research. CNA Corporation.


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