Update on Serdal vessel |11 June 2025

Salvage operations underway

The Seychelles Ports Authority has confirmed that the Comorian-flagged vessel, Serdal, which capsized and sank on Wednesday May 28 while anchored at the inner anchorage east of Île de Romainville, Port Victoria, has now settled on the seabed on her side.

A joint press release issued on Monday by the Seychelles Ports Authority (SPA) and the Seychelles Maritime Safety Authority (SMSA) said salvage operations are underway to remove the fuel from the vessel.

SMSA has issued a notice to mariners, notifying all mariners that anchorage 14 (Position Lat. 04 37.1S, Long. 055 28.9E) has been closed to all traffic. An emergency wreck buoy, blue and yellow in colour with blue and yellow light characteristics, has been installed above the wreck, said the press release.

Mariners are being advised to keep a sharp lookout for flotsam emanating from the wreck, give a wide berth from the salvage operations, and maintain a safe speed when passing the salvage operations.

Meanwhile, the concerned authorities are working with the vessel’s representatives and the appointed salvage team. “The authorities are working in close collaboration to ensure that all safety protocols are followed and to ensure minimal impact to the sensitive marine environment in the vicinity,” read the statement, adding that the fuel removal operation is expected to be completed, weather permitting, by Thursday.

“The salvage of the wreck is a more complex operation and may take months to complete due to the necessary analysis to ensure minimal impact to the marine environment,” added the press release.

Contributed