(Seychelles News Agency) - Three Seychellois fishermen have been rescued at sea after their fishing boat collided with a passing merchant ship, according to a statement issued by the Seychelles Coast Guard.

The collision took place last night in the Mahe plateau where they had been fishing. Their boat was severely damaged and men stayed in the ocean for several hours before being rescued early this morning by a local pleasure boat.

The three fishermen were then transferred to Seychelles Coast Guard Patrol Boat Le Vigilant, where they received medical care.

Le Vigilant had been sent off to the fishermen’s rescue after the Seychelles Coast Guard received a distress call issued by the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) onboard the fishing boat.

The 3 men arrived on the main island of Mahe late this morning and were taken to Seychelles Hospital for further medical attention.

The Seychelles Maritime Safety Administration and the Police are conducting an investigation into the incident.