VICTORIA, Seychelles — The salvage operation to remove the wreckage of the foreign vessel Serdal, which capsized on May 28 off Ile de Romainville, is in the final stage and nearing completion. Dutch firm Koole, which is leading the operation, has been carrying out the complex wreck removal under close supervision of the Seychelles Maritime Safety Authority (SMSA) and other local authorities.
According to SMSA’s chief executive, Captain Daniel Adam, the operation is being fully financed by the Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance of the vessel, as agreed upon by its owners. This arrangement ensures that the Seychellois taxpayer is not burdened with the cost of the operation, while the work is carried out in full compliance with international standards and local environmental regulations.
Captain Adam noted that the operation has been technically challenging due to the position of the wreck, the marine environment, and the need to prevent any further pollution of Seychelles’ sensitive coastal waters. SMSA has been coordinating closely with Koole to ensure that the removal is completed safely and with minimal environmental impact, including the protection of marine biodiversity around Ile de Romainville.
Once the wreckage has been fully removed, SMSA will conduct a final survey of the seabed to confirm that the area is clear of debris and that no residual contamination remains. The Authority will also continue to monitor the site in the weeks following the operation. The completion of the Serdal salvage marks a significant step in Seychelles’ continued efforts to maintain the safety and cleanliness of its waters.
