Brief history of the hatch: This "hatch" is located at the Others' beach village on the north shore of the island. It was apparently guarded 24/7 by two Others armed with rifles. However, when Sayid reconnoitered the abandoned village, he discovered that there was only a rock wall behind the doors. It would appear the "hatch" and the village itself are merely an elaborate illusion by the Others.

Its purpose is currently unknown. The very existence of the hatch doors suggests that it was created specifically to fool the Oceanic crash survivors, since the Others must be aware that they have found the Swan DHARMA station.