Dhow catches fire and sinks |11 April 2018

The local authorities have reported that they have started an investigation following an incident whereby a foreign dhow caught fire and eventually sunk in the early hours of Tuesday April 10, 2018 within the Seychelles Exclusive Economic Zone.

Fortunately, there were no casualties as all 14 crew members on board were promptly rescued by Seychelles Coast Guard patrol ship Topaz.

The incident occurred a few hours after the dhow, suspected to be involved in drug smuggling activities in the Seychelles EEZ, was being escorted to Mahé after having been boarded by local anti-narcotics agents and Seychelles Coast Guard during a special operation.