Seychelles Defence Forces intercepts fishing vessels suspected of IUU fishing   |29 April 2023

The Malagasy vessels when they were intercepted

The Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) has intercepted two Madagascar-flagged fishing vessels suspected of conducting Illegal Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing within Seychelles waters.

The operation was carried out in a joint effort involving the Coast Guard, Air Force, and Special Forces.

In the morning of April 26, 2023, Seychelles Coast Guard Auxiliary Ship Saya de Malha detected two unknown vessels at around 395 nautical miles southwest of Mahé.

Saya de Malha approached and a boarding operation was conducted on the two vessels, which were flagless.

Preliminary information has revealed that the two vessels originated from Madagascar and were carrying a combined total of 56 crew members, with a substantial quantity of sea cucumber also found on board one of the vessels.

Information gathered also indicated that both boats have been engaging in illegal sea cucumber fishing in Seychelles waters. They are being escorted closer to a nearby island for further investigation.

With regard to the Malagasy boat that was intercepted on April 21, 2023, the boat began taking water while being escorted back to Mahé and sank shortly after. All crew members were transferred on board SCG Patrol Ship and subsequently handed over to Malagasy authorities where necessary legal action is expected to be initiated against them.

The SDF continues to work in close collaboration with the Regional Centre for Operation Coordination (RCOC) to ensure proper liaison with concerned countries and partners in the region, in order to find a solution to the continued acts of IUU fishing in our exclusive economic zone.

Press release from the SDF Public Affairs Office