Bassas da India, Circular atoll in Mozambique Channel, France.
Bassas da India is a circular atoll in the Mozambique Channel between France and Madagascar. The formation consists of rocky islets that rise steeply from the deep ocean floor, creating a small landmass surrounded by shallow waters.
Portuguese seafarers first documented this maritime formation in the early sixteenth century, calling it Baixo da Judia. France took control in 1897 and maintains its claim over the uninhabited atoll to this day.
The French Southern and Antarctic Lands administration manages this uninhabited territory, which Madagascar also claims as part of its maritime domain.
The atoll is practically inaccessible to visitors, lying far offshore in treacherous waters with difficult landing conditions. The area remains dangerous for navigation due to submerged reefs and strong currents.
The atoll rises abruptly from waters reaching nearly 3000 meters deep, creating a dramatic contrast between abyss and shallow reef. This steep submarine landscape makes it geologically distinctive in the Indian Ocean region.
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