Why this remote Maldivian atoll remained a secret naval base during World War II

Countries & Cities · Published 30 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Located in the Southern Hemisphere, Seenu Atoll—historically known as Addu Atoll—possesses a unique, calm natural harbour that once served as a hidden Royal Navy base. Beyond its military history, this southernmost Maldivian outpost boasts rare ecosystems, a distinct dialect, and a resilient coral reef that defied global bleaching events.

Seenu Atoll, or Addu Atoll, sits 540 km south of Malé and represents the southernmost reach of the Maldives. Its geography is distinct; unlike other atolls in the region, it features a natural anchorage accessible via four channels—Kuda, Maa, Gan, and Villingili—which provide a safe, calm harbour unaffected by seasonal shifts. This strategic advantage led the Royal Navy to establish a secret base, HMS Haitan, during the Second World War. The site, which included oil storage and an airstrip on Gan island, remained unknown to Axis forces for years. In 1957, it transitioned to the Royal Air Force as RAF Gan before closing in 1976, eventually becoming today’s Gan International Airport.

The atoll’s environment is equally remarkable. It is the only area in the Maldives that escaped the 1998 global coral bleaching event, as the southern waters were spared from the warming currents of El Niño. These healthy reefs, which slope to depths of 30 meters, support a rich diversity of whales and dolphins. On land, the islands feature unique wetlands and marshy taro fields, and they serve as the exclusive Maldivian habitat for the white tern, or dhondheeni, a local symbol. Historically, the atoll is home to some of the earliest recorded settlements in the country, particularly on Meedhoo island.

Culturally, the region stands apart through its Addu dialect, which was once the widespread lingua franca of the southern atolls. While the written language remains consistent with the rest of the Maldives, the spoken dialect differs from the official Dhivehi. Social structures have also shifted over time; while the atoll was historically ruled by sultan-appointed families and potentially featured matrilineal inheritance, it experienced a period where women became the primary breadwinners. Today, the atoll is organized as Addu City, encompassing several natural islands that continue to define this unique, isolated corner of the Indian Ocean.

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