President Herminie Congratulates Coast Guard on Successful Dhow Destruction

VICTORIA, Seychelles — Seychelles President Dr Patrick Herminie, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the Seychelles Defence Forces, has congratulated the Seychelles Coast Guard for successfully destroying an Iranian dhow vessel intercepted during a recent counter-narcotics operation. The dhow, carrying six crew members, was intercepted five days prior to its destruction on Monday November 3, 2025.

In accordance with the government’s strengthened ‘search and destroy’ policy, the confirmed illicit narcotics and the vessel were destroyed at sea. The Seychelles Defence Forces had handed over the crew to local authorities for further investigation. The operation represents a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in its waters.

‘I commend the Seychelles Coast Guard for their exemplary execution of this critical operation,’ President Herminie stated. ‘The destruction of this dhow and its illicit cargo at sea sends an unequivocal message to drug traffickers that Seychelles will not tolerate the use of our waters for criminal enterprise.’ Under the new protocols, all narcotics intercepted in Seychelles’ maritime domain will be destroyed at sea and will not be brought onto Seychelles shores.

This decisive measure is designed to eliminate any risk of contamination to the nation’s territory and to demonstrate the government’s zero-tolerance stance on drug trafficking. President Herminie extended his gratitude to all members of the Seychelles Defence Forces involved in this operation, whose professionalism and dedication continue to protect the sovereignty and wellbeing of the nation.