Hydrographic data locates unknown shipwrecks
Handover of hydrographic data
SEYCHELLES: Hydrographic data totalling four terabytes that highlighted 87 previously unknown shipwrecks was handed over to the Ministry of Transport last week by the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO).
The data, collected during last year’s extensive survey, covers an area of 650 square kilometres and includes vital maritime information such as underwater topography, navigational hazards, and seabed features. The discovery of the 87 shipwrecks will further enrich Seychelles’ maritime knowledge.
The formal handover was conducted by Kathryn Buttle of the UKHO, who was accompanied by the Deputy High Commissioner for the United Kingdom in Seychelles, Matthew Harper and Pia Pool (PPAO), at Botanical House. They presented the data to the Minister of Transport, Antony Derjacques.
As part of this collaboration, the UKHO has also provided Seychelles with two tide gauges, installed on Mahé and Praslin, to enhance tidal monitoring capabilities. Additionally, UKHO developed a comprehensive risk model, assessing maritime conditions before and after the survey to improve navigational safety.
A key finding from the survey was the identification of hazardous areas and shoals through satellite imagery, which will assist in safer route planning for vessels. However, the presence of silt ooze in the port has raised concerns, requiring further study to evaluate its potential impact on port operations.
“This hydrographic data will be instrumental in facilitating our efforts to develop the Blue Economy, enhance navigational safety, and prevent marine accidents.”
“The mapping of Seychelles’ waters remains relatively underdeveloped, and it is only through such collaborations that we can bridge this gap. This hydrographic data will be instrumental in facilitating our efforts to develop the Blue Economy, enhance navigational safety, and prevent marine accidents. We are grateful to the UK Hydrographic Office for this valuable partnership, which strengthens our ability to manage and protect our maritime space,” noted Minister Derjacques.
A dedicated committee will be established to determine the responsible authority for the management and maintenance of the newly installed tide gauges.
PHOTO: Minister of Transport, Antony Derjacques accepts hydrographic charts from Kathryn Buttle of the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office. (Source: Seychelles Ministry of Transport)
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