Piracy Warning in the Seychelles - Advice and Information

Summary: On Friday, 1 October, the British government announced a significant threat of piracy in the waters surrounding the Seychelles.

Who will be affected?

The risk of piracy means that leisure boats or yachts sailing within the Seychelles Exclusive Economic Zone, or beyond 20 miles of the inner Seychelles granitic islands, could be vulnerable to attacks by pirates.

Foreign Office advice for travellers:

Due to the increased risk of piracy in these waters, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised visitors to the Seychelles to:

• Consider the necessity of your journey if you intend to sail these high risk waters
• Look into alternatives if you must sail - for example, arrange transport for your sailing vessel via a yacht carrier
• Make sure you have comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel
• Safeguard your valuables and cash if you stop off at any Seychelles beaches (bear in mind that petty theft has risen along the coast from parked cars and accommodation)
• Contact the British High Commission in Victoria for further assistance

At this time, travel by air and land-based tourism remain unaffected by the threat.

Background information:

Piracy has been a threat in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean for some time now, and has put sailing vessels particularly in danger. Incidents have occurred as far as 1,000 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia. Even though attacks are proportionately low, they continue to occur, mainly against vessels that don't comply with shipping industry self-defence measures.