Lost catamaran may have been hijacked |25 March 2009

The sailors – Gilbert Victor and Conrad Andre – left on February 28 heading for Madagascar, where they were to hand the boat over to its owner six days later, but it has not been seen since.

The Seychellois authorities have now received information about a suspected hijack, which is being investigated for authenticity.

Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Transport Joel Morgan held an extraordinary meeting with the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) yesterday to analyse the information and to work out possible scenarios for the incident.

After these talks, the MSC decided to hand over the suspected criminal case to the Seychelles Police, who will be the main coordinators of the operation.

Other partners – the Seychelles Coast Guard, the Attorney-General’s Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Seychelles Ports Authority – will also be involved in the investigation.

Mr Morgan stressed last night that any future developments in the case will be reported to the MSC on a regular basis.
He added that the government is reacting quickly to developments, both at local and international level, based on information gathered.

And he said the local authorities are already seeking help from countries with military forces in regional waters.
Acting Commissioner of Police Ernest Quatre, who is also a member of the MSC, has reassured the public, especially the relatives of the two sailors, that prompt action is being taken in the case and the situation is being handled efficiently.