The Seychelles Coast Guard can confirm that a French purse seiner vessel reached the location of the Costa Allegra last night, and is towing the vessel towards Desroches island.

The Seychelles authorities are making arrangements for the evacuation of passengers to Descroches, and their subsequent transfer to the island of Mahé.

There are also two Seychelles Ports Authority tugs on their way to the vessel's location, and they are expected to reach the Costa Allegra this afternoon. They will be towing the Costa Allegra back to Port Victoria in due course and be will given a protection escort by the Seychelles Coast Guard and the Seychelles People's Defence Forces Airwing.