The Seychelles government is working with the Department of Information Communication and Technology to introduce a new system where hikers will be offered bracelets with satellite links.

President Wavel Ramkalawan said in a press conference last week that visitors often got lost on La Digue, and that it was costing the government dearly.

“It is a cost to the police department, fire brigade and the military’s budgets in addition to the costs of setting up rescue teams,” Ramkalawan said.

“Hopefully, the visitors will agree to take one of the bracelets with them.”

Ramkalawan also revealed plans to acquire thermal cameras on drones to use hikers’ body heat to help find them at night.

No date has been given for the implementation of the tracking bracelets.