The Seychelles plans to attract more tourists by transforming the decommissioned patrol vessel PS Topaz into an artificial reef and underwater diving site in the western Indian Ocean.
After serving for 20 years in the country’s Coast Guard, the vessel was deliberately sunk during an official ceremony held on May 9. The project is expected to contribute to marine ecosystem preservation and the development of sustainable tourism.
The 46-meter-long PS Topaz was originally built as a fast attack craft for the Indian Navy and was gifted to the Seychelles in 2005 as part of efforts to strengthen strategic ties between the two countries.
During its service, the vessel took part in numerous operations within the Seychelles’ exclusive economic zone, including anti-piracy missions, anti-drug trafficking operations, and efforts to combat illegal fishing. It played a particularly important role in rescuing local and foreign fishermen during the peak of Somali pirate activity between 2008 and 2010.
The ship’s final major mission was a hostage rescue operation conducted in January 2024.
Now retired as part of celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Seychelles’ independence, PS Topaz will serve as a new underwater tourism attraction for the island nation, where tourism plays a major role in the economy.
Over the years, the Indian government has also donated patrol vessels PS Constant, PS Zoroaster, and PB Boudeuse, as well as military aircraft, to the Seychelles.
