Working Conditions Aboard the Abeille-Liberte

On June 20, 2023, the CROSS Gris-Nez responded promptly to an emergency call regarding a migrant vessel in distress off Equihen-Plage. The situation escalated when reports revealed two individuals, one equipped with a lifejacket, were struggling in the water approximately 500 meters from the shoreline. Immediate action was taken, with the CROSS coordinating assistance from a nearby fishing boat and deploying an EC135 helicopter from the national gendarmerie already patrolling the area. The semi-rigid boat 'Abeille Liberté' and the hydrographic vessel 'Laplace' of the French Navy also joined the rescue effort. While one individual managed to swim back to the beach, the other was safely rescued by the fishing vessel and then transferred to the 'Abeille Liberté'. Meanwhile, the 'Laplace' provided critical support to the remaining migrants stranded on the disabled boat, ultimately rescuing an additional 33 individuals and successfully transporting them to Boulogne-Sur-Mer.

On January 2, 2022, a pleasure boat found itself stranded on the rocky shores near Fort de l'Est within the expansive harbor of Cherbourg after its propeller became entangled. The situation was complicated by a challenging sea state, with swells reaching 1.5 meters and wind gusts up to 40 knots. The CROSS Jobourg responded promptly, deploying the 'Abeille Liberté', which was stationed in Cherbourg, along with the lifeboat 'Cap Lévy II' from the Fermanville SNSM station and the French Navy tug 'Fréhel'. The courageous crew of 'Cap Lévy II' managed to successfully attach a towing line to the grounded vessel, allowing it to be refloated and safely towed to the Chantereyne port in Cherbourg.

On the night of October 17, 2023, the CROSS Gris-Nez received alarming reports about precarious migrant vessels struggling in the waters off the Nord and Pas-de-Calais regions. In a coordinated effort, the rescue vessel 'Abeille Liberté' successfully retrieved 15 migrants, who were subsequently transported to the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer for medical attention and care from border police and local emergency services. Meanwhile, the patrol boat 'PSP Flamant' played a crucial role in rescuing 82 individuals, delivering them safely to the port of Calais. Additionally, the Dunkirk-based lifeboat 'Jean Bart II' undertook two separate missions, bringing 76 distressed migrants to shore in Dunkirk. Separately, the 'President Jacques Huret' lifeboat, operated by the Boulogne-sur-Mer SNSM station, responded to a sinking vessel and managed to rescue 40 individuals suffering from hypothermia, who were also transported back to Boulogne-sur-Mer. Moreover, a Dauphin helicopter from the Le Touquet Naval Base was dispatched to assist in the operation, highlighting the extensive efforts by various maritime forces to ensure the safety of those in danger at sea.