Working Conditions Aboard the Argonaute

On December 5, a merchant vessel lost six tanks while navigating, sparking a focused recovery operation. The crew of the 'Argonaute', supported by a team of four skilled clearance divers from the French Navy, successfully secured one of the tanks on December 6. They hoisted it aboard and positioned it on the vessel's rear deck. The 'Argonaute' docked at the military port of Cherbourg early in the afternoon, where the 8-meter tank is set to remain while awaiting necessary administrative actions with the shipowner for proper handling. Unfortunately, the remaining five tanks have yet to be located. Ongoing aerial and maritime surveillance efforts are being coordinated with CROSS Jobourg and local maritime authorities to ensure a thorough search. For further details, you can view the report with accompanying images here: https://www.premar-manche.gouv.fr/communiques-presse/perte-de-cargaison-a-l-entree-du-dispositif-de-separation-du-trafic-dst-des-casquets-50-cp-n-02.

In the early hours of November 4, the French Navy's vessel 'Argonaute', along with an H160 helicopter from Maupertus and a Falcon 50 aircraft stationed in Lann-Bihoué, embarked on a challenging mission following a distress call from a commercial ship. The vessel reported the loss of six empty, eight-meter-long stainless steel tanks more than 60 kilometers off the coast of the Hague. Faced with northwest winds exceeding 40 kilometers per hour and challenging sea conditions, the merchant ship quickly lost sight of the drifting tanks. In response, the CROSS Jobourg issued critical safety communications via VHF radio to alert nearby vessels, effectively mitigating the risk of potential collisions with the lost cargo. An AVURNAV warning was also disseminated by the maritime prefecture to further caution marine traffic in the vicinity. Despite the formidable weather, one of the tanks was successfully located on the afternoon of December 5. The crew of the 'Argonaute' made multiple attempts to secure the tank using towing equipment, but worsening weather conditions led to the towing wire breaking, leaving the tank adrift once more. Tracking its trajectory southeastward became the priority until it reached the shallow depths near Alderney. The situation was later handed over to the Channel Islands Coastguard, who successfully relocated the tank near Raz Blanchard. Plans for another towing attempt by the 'Argonaute' are currently underway as efforts continue to secure the lost cargo. For further details and visual documentation of the operation, visit the following links: [Le Marin Report](https://lemarin.ouest-france.fr/shipping/un-navire-perd-six-cuves-au-large-de-la-hague-f1710e6e-937e-11ee-acd4-3231fc8195a7) and [Premar Manche Announcement](https://www.premar-manche.gouv.fr/communiques-presse/perte-de-cargaison-a-l-entree-du-dispositif-de-separation-du-trafic-dst-des-casquets-50).

On the night of December 1, 2023, the CROSS Gris-Nez received an urgent alert about two migrant vessels facing distress near Boulogne-sur-Mer. In response, the 'Argonaute' was dispatched to the first boat, successfully rescuing 24 individuals. They were safely delivered to the Port of Boulogne-sur-Mer, where local emergency services and Border Police provided necessary assistance. Simultaneously, the CROSS Gris-Nez mobilized the French Navy's hydrographic vessel, 'Borda', to aid a second boat in peril. The crew managed to recover 22 migrants, who were suffering from mild hypothermia. Medical personnel onboard attended to them promptly. However, several individuals chose to decline further assistance, despite the risks associated with such a decision, including potential falls overboard and exposure to the harsh weather. Concerned about their safety, the team opted to allow these migrants to continue their journey, while maintaining surveillance with the 'Borda'. As the day progressed, the 'Borda' made its way back to the Port of Boulogne-sur-Mer. Once docked, all rescued individuals received necessary support from land rescue services and Border Police, marking a successful humanitarian operation amid challenging conditions.