(Seychelles News Agency) - A coal mine explosion in Turkey has left more than 200 people dead, in what has been described as one of the worst mining disasters in Turkish history.

787 people were inside the coal mine in Soma, some 250 kilometres south of the captial Istanbul, at the time of the blast, where 363 miners have been rescued so far.

Seychelles President James Michel sent a letter addressed to Turkish President Abdullah Gül to express 'heartfelt condolences and sympathies on behalf of the people and Government of Seychelles,' according to a press statement this afternoon, 

"President Michel wished a speedy recovery to those injured and hoped that the bereaved families of the victims find strength and consolation in these moments of despair. He also reaffirmed Seychelles unwavering support to the Republic of Turkey at this time of great loss and offered prayers for those suffering," reads the statement.