What Crew Members Say About Arco-Dijk

On October 23, 2021, a critical rescue operation unfolded in the Strait of the Pas de Calais when the CROSS Gris-Nez received reports of a distressed vessel with migrants aboard, some of whom had fallen overboard. In response, a MAYDAY RELAY was issued, leading to the deployment of multiple rescue units, including a Dauphin helicopter from the French Navy base in Le Touquet, the patrol vessel 'Cormorant', and the lifeboat 'President Jacques Huret' from Boulogne-sur-Mer. Nearby commercial vessels 'Arco Dijk' and 'Thun Garland' also mobilized their resources in the urgent search and rescue effort, with the British Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 163 placed on standby. Upon arrival, the Dauphin helicopter discovered that the boat had sunk, and 39 individuals were found adrift in the water. Rescuers quickly hoisted six of the migrants onto the Dauphin helicopter and transported them to Boulogne hospital for medical assistance. Meanwhile, the 'Arco Dijk' and 'Thun Garland' deployed their rescue boats, successfully bringing several more castaways aboard. The fishing vessel 'Parti De Rien' also played a crucial role in recovering additional individuals from the sea. After the 'Arco Dijk' and 'Thun Garland' completed their rescues, the migrants were transferred to the 'Parti De Rien'. Medical personnel from the 'President Jacques Huret' evaluated the remaining migrants on board. Subsequently, the vessel escorted by lifeboats made its way to Boulogne-sur-Mer, where the border police and the departmental fire and rescue operational center attended to the castaways. To ensure the safety of the area, the Dauphin helicopter, 'Cormorant', and Rescue 163 were on alert to confirm that no one else was in distress. For additional details and imagery from the event, visit: https://www.premar-manche.gouv.fr/communiques-presse/operations-de-recherche-et-de-sauvetage-d-une-embarcation-dans-le-detroit-du-pas-de-calais.