Victoria — A 40-year veteran of Seychelles waters made its final voyage on Saturday afternoon, deliberately sunk behind Conception Island to begin a new chapter as an artificial reef and diving destination.
The former Coast Guard patrol vessel Topaz departed Ile Perseverance at 9:30am, towed by Seychelles Ports Authority tug Ste Anne. After a four-hour journey to the designated site, flooding operations commenced offshore. By 4:30pm exactly, the retired patrol ship gave its final salute before settling onto the seabed at 37 meters depth.
The operation involved multiple authorities: the Seychelles Coast Guard, SPA, Marine Police, Maritime Safety Authority, Parks and Gardens Authority, and the Department of Environment. Boat owners and invited guests gathered at sea to witness the moment. Parts of the sinking were observed from above by a Seychelles Air Force Dornier aircraft during routine patrol.
Captain Edwin Constance, Topaz’s last commander, told media the operation proceeded smoothly despite taking longer than expected. Rough sea conditions prevented simultaneous flooding of all compartments, requiring a gradual process. The flooding itself took approximately two and a half hours.
He advised divers to wait at least two weeks before visiting the wreck, stressing that only exploratory dives should be undertaken initially.
The scuttling marks the end of an era for one of Seychelles’ most recognized patrol vessels while opening a new chapter as a marine habitat expected to attract fish, coral growth, and recreational divers. Whether this becomes a genuine marine asset or merely an expensive grave for retired hardware remains to be seen. The vessel now rests where politics and practicality intersect, a monument to maritime service that will either flourish with new life or stand as a reminder of what might have been.
