What Crew Members Say About Dover-Seaways

Between the late afternoon of December 15 and December 16, the CROSS Gris-Nez conducted a significant rescue operation off the Pas-de-Calais coast, responding to reports of several migrant boats in distress. Multiple rescue vessels were employed to assist a total of 283 individuals. The rescue effort commenced with the 'Abeille Normandie,' which successfully retrieved the first boat carrying 53 migrants near Boulogne-sur-Mer. These individuals were safely landed at the port of Boulogne that evening. Later that evening, the 'Armoise' patrol boat rescued another group of 60 individuals off Grand Fort Philippe, transferring them to Boulogne in the early hours. The 'Apollo Moon' also answered the call for help, rescuing a boat with 50 migrants struggling off the shores of Hemmes de Marck. This group was subsequently brought ashore at the port of Calais. Additional reports from various associations alerted the CROSS about a migrant vessel in distress near Gravelines. Initial information suggested fatalities onboard, but after confirming via live contact, the CROSS learned that all onboard were in need of assistance but unharmed. Utilizing an array of resources including the lifeboats 'SNS 276-Notre Dame de Flandres' and 'SNS 077-Notre Dame du Risban', as well as the 'Action Air' aircraft and the ferry 'Dover Seaways', the 'Esvagt Charlie' successfully located the boat and rescued 65 migrants. Notably, prior to this rescue, two individuals were found on a buoy and subsequently verified by the 'Dover Seaways'. The 'SNS 077' was dispatched for their recovery, bringing the total rescued to 283. Later that night, a follow-up distress call reported a migrant boat in trouble near Blériot Plage, with people overboard. In response, the 'Apollo Moon', 'SNS 077', the 'Action Air' plane, and a Dauphin helicopter from the French Navy were deployed. The 'SNS 077' managed to rescue 14 individuals before redirecting efforts towards Gravelines, while the 'Apollo Moon' accounted for the remaining 39 migrants. In the end, all rescued migrants were safely brought to Calais the following morning, concluding a challenging series of rescue operations. For further details, you can view the report with accompanying photos here: https://www.premar-manche.gouv.fr/communiques-presse/operations-de-sauvetage-de-283-personnes-au-large-du-pas-de-calais.

Damen Shiprepair Dunkerque is playing a pivotal role in transforming DFDS Seaways, the leading shipping and logistics company in northern Europe, through an extensive refit and rebranding initiative. So far, the repair yard has successfully completed upgrades on five vessels, with two additional ferries currently undergoing renovations at their Dunkirk facility, strategically located near key cross-channel ferry routes. Among the highlights of this project are the rapid improvements made to three of DFDS’ ‘D-Class’ ferries—Dover Seaways, Dunkerque Seaways, and Delft Seaways—each receiving significant upgrades in a swift timeframe of just three weeks. These ferries are integral to the Dover-Dunkirk route, enhancing connectivity in the region. In addition to regular dry docking activities, Damen Shiprepair Dunkerque undertook a comprehensive overhaul of critical systems, including the propulsion units, stern and bow thrusters, rudders, and engines, while also applying a fresh coat of the company's new branding across the vessels. Each ferry required an impressive 11,000 square meters of paint for this significant visual update. Notably, the bow doors of the Dunkerque Seaways were rehung, along with upgrades to the Kongsberg Power Management and Control System, which now features the latest hardware and software advancements.

In a startling incident on January 16, 2016, the 'Dover Seaways' ferry, carrying 450 passengers, was evacuated in Loon Plage, close to Dunkirk, due to a bomb scare linked to an abandoned backpack. The alarm was raised at approximately 4:15 p.m. when ferry staff spotted a suspicious bag in a rubbish dump adjacent to the vehicle parking area. Immediate action was taken, and all passengers along with crew members were safely moved to a secure location within the port terminal where they awaited the arrival of bomb disposal experts. After an extensive operation, which concluded around 7:10 p.m., deminers determined that the backpack posed no threat, revealing its innocent contents of sandwiches and eggs. Following the all-clear signal, the 450 individuals were allowed to reboard the ferry, which set sail shortly thereafter.