British high commissioner Matthew Forbes has confirmed that the UK is to provide Seychelles with a short-range patrol boat to help in the coast guard’s fight against piracy.

The boat – which will be named Fortune after Fortune Bank near Coetivy – has been loaded on board a UK Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship at Devonport for its journey to Victoria.

The Seychelles Coast Guard has confirmed that the vessel will be used to help patrol the inner islands and protect the northern approaches. 

The Fortune originally saw service with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in the UK. It is an all-weather, self-righting boat with a range of 240 nautical miles. It is 14.3 metres long, has a top speed of 18 knots and a displacement of 27 tons.

The boat was donated in response to a request from Seychelles for extra capacity to help protect the inner islands while the two larger coast guard boats carry out extended anti-piracy patrols. The Fortune is due to arrive in Victoria in the next two months.