Reported 2 April 2009

Seychellois troops have been sent to islands in the Aldabra area after a boat that had been carrying tourists was hijacked by pirates, it was announced yesterday.

The Seychelles-flagged “Indian Ocean Explorer” with seven Seychellois crew on board, was on her way from Assumption to Mahe when she was seized, Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Transport Joel Morgan said.

The S/Y INDIAN OCEAN EXPLORER, a high-end cruiser designed for oceanographic research with a state-of-the-art technical suite for underwater photography and diving equipment, is kitted out to hold 12 passengers.

Ten tourists had already disembarked on Assumption before the hijack and flown back to Mahe, he added.

The crew are all safe on the vessel, which is believed to be heading for Somalia.

Giving details of the incident – the second recent act of piracy involving boats in Seychelles – Mr Morgan said the information was received by the authorities yesterday morning.

He said they believe the hijackers are Somali pirates, based on information received.

Details of the first act of piracy from Ecoterra International:

Together with the abducted yacht S/Y SERENITY from the Seychelles three hostages are held: Gilbert Victor and Andre Conrad were already listed and now John Hoareau alias Samson has been confirmed as the third hostage. “The government of Seychelles strongly condemns any action against the property and the people of Seychelles,” Transport Minister Joel Morgan said. Last week, the islands’ police chief confirmed that the three Seychellois sailors have been held hostage by Somali pirates since their catamaran was hijacked in late February. They had left the archipelago on February 28 for Madagascar.