Seychelles Rescues 17 Indian Fishermen Stranded at Sea After Boat Suffers Engine Failure
New Delhi — India has thanked Seychelles for rescuing 17 Indian fishermen stranded at sea after their fishing boat suffered an engine failure off the coast of the Indian Ocean island nation.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs expressed its gratitude to Seychelles authorities for their swift intervention in bringing the fishermen aboard the fishing vessel IFB Sajira to safety.
“Government of India expresses gratitude to the Government of Seychelles for its swift and life-saving assistance to 17 Indian fishermen aboard IFB Sajira, which suffered an engine failure in the high seas off the coast of Seychelles,” the ministry said in a statement on X.
The rescue comes amid growing maritime and defense cooperation between India and Seychelles, with New Delhi providing equipment, technical assistance and training support to strengthen the island nation’s maritime security capabilities.
India recently supplied Seychelles with three repaired Dornier Main Electronic Units, 18 sets of calibrated specialized aircraft tools, 50 safety helmets and seamanship ropes.
The equipment was handed over by Indian Defense Adviser Captain Shravan Sareen to Seychelles Defense Forces Chief Major General Michael Rosette.
According to the Indian High Commission in Seychelles, the electronic units and aircraft tools were repaired and calibrated at Indian naval facilities free of charge.
The equipment will support maintenance of Seychelles’ Dornier aircraft fleet, which conducts exclusive economic zone surveillance, medical evacuations and search-and-rescue operations.
India also provided safety equipment and maritime gear intended to improve operational readiness and personnel safety within the Seychelles Coast Guard.
As part of the expanding partnership, Indian High Commissioner Rohit Rathish handed over five Laser Radial boats to the Seychelles Defense Forces to strengthen maritime training and seamanship skills.
The boats were provided following an announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his state visit to Seychelles.
During the visit, Modi also handed over the Indian-made fast patrol vessel PS Lespwar to the Seychelles Coast Guard, further strengthening maritime security cooperation between the two countries.
The latest rescue highlights the continuing cooperation between India and Seychelles in maritime safety and security across the Indian Ocean. (Source: IANS)
