Fatal boating accident off coast of Africa

The Seychelles Ministry of Home Affairs and Transport and Ministry of Tourism and Culture have confirmed a boating accident occurred around 9:30 pm on Friday, February 8, in the channel between the ma

The Seychelles Ministry of Home Affairs and Transport and Ministry of Tourism and Culture have confirmed a boating accident occurred around 9:30 pm on Friday, February 8, in the channel between the main island of Mahe and Sainte Anne Island.

A boat traveling to Sainte Anne Island with 5 foreign visitors and staff of the island resort collided with another boat coming from Cerf Island en route to Mahe with only the skipper onboard, which resulted in a serious accident.

A thirty-five-year-old New Zealander reporter for Dubai Eye Radio, Rebecca Davidson, sustained injuries during the collision, and was pronounced deceased upon her arrival at the Seychelles Hospital. Four persons were taken to the hospital for examination and one of them, a British national, was admitted for observation, and her condition has been described as stable.

In accordance with established procedure, the Seychelles Maritime Safety Administration has opened a formal investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the accident. Simultaneously the Seychelles police have also launched a formal investigation into the incident.

“It is deeply regrettable that this tragedy has taken place, and we are ensuring that a full investigation is carried out. The safety of passengers using ferries between the islands is of paramount importance for our islands, and such accidents are rare. The investigation will reveal the exact causes of the collision and will enable the authorities to take appropriate action,” said Minister Joel Morgan, the Minister for Home Affairs and Transport.

The Minister for Tourism and Culture, Alain St. Ange, together with Minister Joel Morgan met with the four visitors at the Seychelles Hospital immediately following the accident to provide all necessary support.

“We would like to express our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Rebecca Davidson. We are saddened by the loss of the life of Rebecca, and the trauma suffered by everyone else onboard. We are doing everything to provide support to the affected passengers and their families,” said Minister St. Ange.

Seychelles is currently hosting the 3rd edition of its annual carnival and hosts to large press groups, of which Rebecca Davidson was part of the Dubai Eye Radio delegation.

Seychelles is a founding member of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP).

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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