NBM Dive Site Resource
Zhenhai (LSD-192) / Chen Hai / USS Fort Marion (LSD-22)
Xiaoliuqiu (Liuqiu Island), Pingtung County, Taiwan
Zhenhai (Chen Hai, ex-USS Fort Marion / LSD-22) is a naval dock landing ship deliberately sunk as an artificial reef off Xiaoliuqiu, Taiwan. Local operators describe a broken wreck around 25–35 m, with deeper areas reported near 40 m and strong currents.
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Historic Photograph
Aquatic life at this dive site
What divers may encounter
Three reviewed connections are featured here. Sightings vary by season, conditions, and chance, so they are never guaranteed.
Aquatic life research in progress
NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.
Aquatic life research in progress
NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.
Aquatic life research in progress
NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.
Site media
Photographs
Three views rotate from the published gallery on each visit.
Contributor media
Dive videos
Three featured video positions are reserved on every profile.Recent field observations
Diver-reported temperatures
Automatically checked observations from dives during the past 14 days. Three reports are visible at a time; scroll for more.A report that passes the automatic checks will appear here with the dive date, diver’s display name, and temperatures at each depth.
Reports are automatically checked for plausible dates, depths, and temperatures. They are observations, not forecasts; confirm conditions before diving.
Connected artificial-reef collection
Deployment history
This dive site is included in the deployed Artificial Reefs search, where deployment records and connected news updates are gathered together.
Why divers know this place
Highlights
Former USS Fort Marion / ROCS Chen Hai; a large naval wreck deliberately reused as an artificial reef.
Shipwreck-only module
The wreck
This section appears only on shipwreck records and brings the vessel, its loss, present condition, access, and responsible wreck-diving considerations into one place.
- Vessel type
- Casa Grande-class dock landing ship
- Year built
- 1945 (launched); commissioned 1946
- Year sunk
- 2001 — December 9 in Taiwan Fisheries Agency handbook, p. 26
- Cause of loss
- Deliberately sunk after naval retirement to create an artificial reef; not a combat loss.
- Present condition
- Local operator reports describe a broken hull in several sections. Present condition should be confirmed locally.
- Penetration guidance
- Broken hull and overhead spaces; a listing does not imply a safe swim-through or permission to enter.
History and significance
Zhenhai began as USS Fort Marion (LSD-22), built by Gulf Shipbuilding at Chickasaw, Alabama. Launched in May 1945 and commissioned in January 1946, the dock landing ship transported and supported landing craft and troops. Fort Marion served during the Korean and Vietnam wars. The Naval History and Heritage Command records participation in the Inchon and Wonsan landings, transport work, and support for British commandos. The United States decommissioned the ship in 1970 and sold it to Taiwan in 1977. It served there as Chen Hai (LSD-192) until 1999. After retirement, the vessel was deliberately sunk off Xiaoliuqiu to create an artificial reef. Taiwan’s Fisheries Agency handbook dates this deployment to December 9, 2001. It was a planned reef deployment after naval service, rather than a combat loss.
Before you arrive
Access notes
Arrange a boat and local guide. Published site descriptions do not establish a departure schedule or present-day access clearance.
Plan within your training
Conditions and hazards
Strong, changeable currents, depth, broken metal, and overhead spaces. Any penetration requires suitable wreck training, equipment, and a separate plan.
Independent resource notice
This record is a starting point for independent verification. Access, closures, moorings, weather, currents, depth, visibility, operator availability, and site conditions can change without notice. Confirm current information with the responsible operator, property owner, managing authority, or another qualified local source before planning or attempting a dive.