SCG confirms deliberate sinking of decommissioned PS Constant |08 September 2023

The Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) has officially announced that, approximately two weeks ago, they deliberately sank the retired Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG) patrol ship, PS Constant.

The vessel, a Car Nicobar Class ship, boasted modern features and measured 46 metres in length by 7.5 metres wide. Back in November 2014, it became the second fast attack craft gifted to Seychelles; the first being PS Topaz, donated in 2005.

The PS Constant was originally designed for versatile roles, enhancing the operational capabilities of the coastguards while making their maritime division more proficient in safeguarding the country's exclusive economic zone.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Archil Mondon, the SDF's public relations officer, the vessel had been decommissioned and no longer served any active role within the force. Furthermore, it posed a potential hazard.

“All the necessary protocols were diligently followed to ensure the vessel's proper disposal, as it had become too outdated for resale or any other practical use,” Lt Col. Mondon stated.

The ship was deliberately sunk at a designated site, the same location where old vessels from the Seychelles Public Transportation Corporation (SPTC) had been previously disposed of. This was done with the approval of the Seychelles Maritime Safety Authority (SMSA) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment (MACCE), and is a routine procedure for retiring old vessels.

The wreck will attract marine life and could potentially become a future dive site.

Mr Mondon confirmed that this action does not pose any environmental risks, as the vessel had undergone inspections by the environment department before the sinking.

PS Constant had been decommissioned approximately two years ago.

It is worth noting that PS Constant had a previous life in the Indian Navy, where it operated as INS Tarasa.

As for the SCG, it currently maintains three large vessels, two medium-sized ones, and several fast-response craft.

Laura Pillay