The Island That Suddenly Disappeared

An island, consisting of a strip of gravel and sand and was important for the survival of beleaguered seals and sea turtles, has suddenly vanished after being once detectable by satellite images.

“There’s no doubt that it was the most important single islet for sea turtle nesting,” explains Charles Littnan, a biologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, who told the Honolulu Civil Beat that first reported the disappearance of the remote Hawaiian island.

So, how did the island disappear?

Officials believe that the island vanished underwater after a powerful hurricane that struck in October.

Watch the video above to learn more.