World's deepest blue hole found in South China Sea, Chinese experts say

MANILA, Philippines — Researchers from China said they have found the world's deepest blue hole, surpassing the depths of the previous record holder, the Dean's Point in Bahamas.

A report from Xinhua said scientists from Sansha Ship Course Research Institute for Coral Protection have been looking at what they call the "Dragon Hole" since last year. It was only this July that they have come up with the final measurement. 

Based on the depth sensors carried by an underwater robot and on their calculations, the mysterious hole is believed to extend up to 987 feet below with 130-meter-diameter-wide opening, roughly taller than the Eiffel Tower, to put it in perspective.

Get to know newly-confirmed world deepest blue hole! Locals call it "eye" of #SouthChinaSea https://t.co/tmk5mQyItw pic.twitter.com/LL3WE2lehB

— China Xinhua News (@XHNews) July 23, 2016

Aside from discovering the depths of the hole, the researchers were also able to identify 20 fish species and other marine organisms that might just be unique on the hole.

The report added that the underwater sinkhole can be found in the Paracel Islands, also known as Xisha in Chinese, which is located in the South China Sea, one of the most militarized and controversial places in the world.

A famous Chinese legend in the 16th century said it is the same location where famous hero's weapon, a golden cudgel was found. The story of it was written in novel "Journey to the West,"

The findings have been recognized by the Chinese Academy of Engineering and they are now building plans to protect the unique underwater feature.

National Geographic describes blue hole as a giant sinkhole found in the middle of the ocean. They were believed to have been formed millions of years ago. Because the water in the sinkhole is bounded by walls, the biodiversity inside it is quite different from the outside waters. It is called blue hole because of the color of the water as reflected from above.

Watch CCTV's exclusive interview with one of the Chinese experts below: