During a port visit to the Seychelles, EU Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) warship HSwMS Carlskrona conducted evidence handling training with the Seychellois Coastguard.
This training, facilitated by EUCAP NESTOR, consisted of a demonstration by officers from the Swedish warship to a team from the Seychellois Coastguard on their techniques for evidence collection and handling. The training was part of EUCAP NESTOR’s work to enhance the Seychellois Coastguard’s capacity to manage crime scenes and deal with evidence in the correct manner.
During the demonstration, the legal adviser from HSwMS Carlskrona highlighted the importance of securing the crime scene and minimising the number of people accessing it, so as to prevent evidence from being destroyed. In order to remove pirates’ impunity at sea, it is very important that teams at sea collect robust and credible evidence, for use in court.
“It was excellent to have representatives from EU NAVFOR coming to the Seychellois Coastguard to share their knowledge and experience in this area”, said Second Lieutenant Samuel King from the Coastguard.
EUCAP NESTOR is a civilian led EU mission that aims to work with other EU missions, such as the EU Naval Force, and regional states to strengthen regional maritime security and capabilities.
[mappress] Press Release, June 5, 2013; Image: EU NAVFOR