‘Pirate season re-opens’
Maritime authority issues warning to sailors
The Seychelles Maritime and Safety Administration (SMSA) issued a warning on Thursday calling on all sailors and fishermen to be on high alert and avoid operating in high-risk areas. as the north-west monsoon season sets in bringing with it fresh threats of pirate attacks.
The SMS warned fishermen to remain close to the south and east of the inner islands around the Mahé Plateau which is considered fairly safe but advised against going beyond 30 nautical miles north of the inner granitic islands where other areas of the Mahé Plateau are said to be unsafe.
The Amirantes and the outer islands in the south-west of SeychelIes' exclusive economic zone are also considered ‘high- risk' areas s a precautionary measure, sailors and fishermen are being advised to keep a 24-hour visual and radar watch. and to immediately report any suspicious activities to the coast guards operation centre. Contact can be established by telephone: 224615/610293. fax: 323288.email: mrce.seycoast@email.sc, HF (SSB): 7696. or VHF: Channel 16.
Source: today.sc 10-6-12