Amboyna Cay

Amboyna Cay, also known as An Bang Island, Lagos, Đảo An Bang, Pulau Amboyna Kecil and other names is an island of the Spratly Islands group in the South China Sea located just outside (SW) of the southwest of Dangerous Ground. It is SW of Barque Canada Reef, south of the London Reefs, and NW of Swallow Reef.With an area of 1.6ha, it is the thirteenth largest naturally occurring Spratly island, and the sixth largest amongst those occupied by Vietnam.The island has two parts: the east part consists of sand and coral, and the west part is covered with guano. It has a fringing reef. An obelisk, about 2.7 m high, stands on the SW corner. There is little vegetation. It is described by some as heavily fortified. A lighthouse has been operational on the island since May 1995.The island is also claimed by the People's Republic of China, the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Philippines and Malaysia. Recent historyIn 1978 the Royal Malaysian Navy landed on the island and placed markers. However, the markers were subsequently destroyed by Vietnam who now occupies the island.On 31 March 1979, forces occupying the Cay fired warning shots at a boat transporting six Amateur radio operators ("hams") attempting a Dxpedition to Amboyna Cay.