Seychelles Sinks Indian-Gifted Anti-Piracy Patrol Vessel PS Topaz After 20 Years Of Service

Seychelles has decommissioned one of its best-known Coast Guard vessels after 20 years of service, and sunk it to create an artificial reef and diving site aimed at supporting tourism and marine conservation.

The patrol vessel, PS Topaz, was officially retired on May 9 during Seychelles’ 50th Jubilee Independence celebrations.

Authorities later intentionally sank the ship as part of plans to develop the country’s blue economy and attract more diving tourists.

The vessel played a major role in protecting Seychelles’ waters and nearby Indian Ocean shipping routes during its operational life.

According to the Seychelles Defence Forces, PS Topaz carried out anti-piracy patrols, maritime surveillance, counter-narcotics missions and operations to protect the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

PS Topaz became widely known during the Somali piracy crisis between 2008 and 2010, when pirates targeted commercial ships and fishing vessels in the western Indian Ocean.

The patrol ship took part in several operations to protect local and foreign fishermen and helped in hostage rescue missions.

The vessel was also deployed in January 2024 during what officials described as a hostage rescue operation, one of its final major missions before retirement.

Originally built for the Indian Navy as INS Tarmugli (T64), the vessel was part of the Trinkat-class fast attack craft fleet. India gifted the ship to Seychelles in 2005 as part of defence cooperation between the two countries.

The 46-metre patrol craft carried a crew of 33 and was capable of speeds up to 30 knots.

In 2019, the vessel underwent a major refit in India that included upgrades to navigation, communication and weapons systems.

During the decommissioning ceremony, attended by Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan and senior military and government officials, Captain Edwin Constance read the decommissioning order as the national flag was lowered from the vessel.

Authorities said the sunken vessel will now serve as an artificial reef and underwater diving attraction.

Officials expect the project to support marine life while helping create jobs linked to diving, tourism and maritime services.

Tourism remains one of the key pillars of Seychelles’ economy, and officials expect the artificial reef project to support scuba diving operations, maritime services and related employment opportunities.

India has supplied several other vessels and aircraft to Seychelles over the years, including PS Constant, PS Zoroaster, PB Boudeuse and two Dornier aircraft, as the countries continue maritime security cooperation in the western Indian Ocean.

References: Seychelles Defence Forces