Juan da Nova is another small island, composited of sand ond corall, which is claimed by France, but also by Madagascar, located in the mid of the Mozambique channel. There is a permanently mened weather station on the island and an airstrip. The island was first reported by Juan da Nova Castelle in the 16th century and named. Since 1967 a light, 28 m high framework tower, black toped, stands on the west side of the island. The island was used for guano-mining by the France East Africa Company between 1887 and 1908.
Juan da Nova is located on a mean position of 17S03 and 42E43. The island is about 5 km from north-west to south-east and about 2.7 km wide. It is fronted by a large and dangerous reef with a wide opening in the north-east side. Several houses, partly in ruines are located on the island, in frnt to the ´weatherstation and the local airfield, about 1600 m long and 45 m wide.
There is no permanent population on the island, but it is frequently visited by the France coast-guard, as by the France Military.
The wide reef area is well known as a ships cementary. One of the largest wrecks is the SS Tottenham, run on the reef in 1911 and well visible today. Another large wreck is the HMS Springer, run on the east side in 1975.
I found a larger story about the island. If you are interested click on here