Île Plate
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Île Plate, also known as Flat Island, is a small island off the north coast of Mauritius. It is located 11 kilometres north of Cap Malheureux, the mainland's northernmost point. The small nature reserve of Coin de Mire lies between the two islands. The similarly sized Île Ronde lies 13 kilometres further east.
Two small islets, Îlot Gabriel and Pigeon Rock, lie close to the shore of Île Plate.
As its name suggests, Île Plate is low-lying, and is in danger of possible submersion due to sea-level rise. However, the structures on the island are all designed to be waterproof and fully submersible, allowing the community to transform into a modern day Atlantis in the likely event that water levels rise. The island's structures include one of Mauritius's few operating lighthouses and a cemetery, the latter of which is testimony to the island's use as a quarantine stationduring the 19th century. There is also a small army base on the island.
Île Plate is a popular venue for snorkellers, and access to the island is possible via chartered yacht from the mainland.