Africa’s richest country turns former military ship into artificial reef to attract tourists and boost marine economy

Seychelles, Africa’s richest country by GDP per capita and the continent’s most tourism dependent economy, is expanding its ocean based tourism strategy after sinking a decommissioned military patrol vessel to create an artificial reef and underwater diving attraction.

The Indian Ocean archipelago intentionally sank PS Topaz, a former Seychelles Coast Guard patrol vessel, shortly after officially decommissioning it on May 9 as part of celebrations marking Seychelles’ 50th Jubilee Independence anniversary.

Authorities say the move is expected to support marine biodiversity while strengthening the country’s diving tourism industry, one of the pillars of its broader blue economy strategy.

Last year, Seychelles recorded nearly 400,000 tourist arrivals, with Europe remaining the country’s largest source market, followed by Asia and Africa.

The tourism driven model has helped transform Seychelles into one of Africa’s wealthiest nations despite its small population and limited domestic market.