Foreign shipping vessel intercepted on suspicion of illegal fishing |04 June 2021

A foreign fishing vessel has been intercepted by the Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG)

on suspicion of fishing illegally in the Seychelles Exclusive Economic Zone.

The Sri Lankan registered vessel, Godbless Sampath 7, with 6 Sri Lankan nationals

on board, was spotted 99 nautical miles southeast of Mahé by a local fishing vessel on June 1, 2021. Seychelles Air Force Dornier aircraft and SCG patrol ship Topaz were deployed and the fishing vessel was intercepted that same day.

The Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA) was consulted, and based on initial evidence found, the fishing vessel was escorted to Port Victoria for further investigation.

The vessel arrived in Port Victoria in the morning of June 2, 2021.

Investigation is ongoing.

Joint communiqué from the SPDF and SFA