“This first time activation of Coetivy Island AF-119NEW which will take place between November 16-23, 2015.

From time to time we will publish updates and important info, but for the moment all relevant details are listed in the pages above.

Although part of the Seychelles, Coetivy Island is no dream holiday destination. In actual fact it’s a prison camp with very basic living standards. We are “lucky” to be granted permission to visit and operate amateur radio from this island.

It is an extremely expensive IOTA DXpedition – chartering airplanes is involved – and we kindly urge the IOTA and DX community to help support this unique and first time island activity from the Indian Ocean.”

Team: Christian EA3NT, Dave EI9FBB, Col MM0NDX, Ronald PA3EWP, Jacek SP5APW & Craig VK5CE

Coetivy AF-119-NEW

Coetivy Island is a small coral island 290km (180 mi) south of Mahe, capital of the Seychelles.

It comprises the Southern Coral Group and therefore belongs to the Outer Islands of the Seychelles.

Coetivy Island AF-119NEW was announced as a new IOTA in July 2014, during the 50th Anniversary IOTA Convention in Windsor, England.

The island was well known for its prawn farm in the early 1990’s; however it was closed several years later. Today, the main production activities include farming, livestock, charcoal production, salted fish production and coconut processing.

The island is also being used for a rehabilitation program by the Ministry of Internal Affairs for first time drug offenders and low security prisoners.

Last year it was not possible to obtain a permit and visit Coetivy. Through dialogue and showcasing amateur radio we now have managed to do so.

See More: http://af119new.com/