Reviews & Ratings for the Gnv-Spirit

On April 12, 2020, a dramatic rescue unfolded in the Bay of Biscay when the captain of the sailing yacht 'La Loulette', hailing from Pornic, found himself in a perilous situation. The 65-year-old sailor experienced significant mechanical failure, suffering from damaged propulsion and water ingress, approximately 278 km away from Cap Ferret at around 1:40 a.m. In a moment of urgency, he reached out to CROSS Etel, prompting an effective Search and Rescue (SAR) operation. The m/v 'Celandine' initiated communication with the distressed yacht, working closely with the CROSS to ensure a swift response. Ultimately, at 5:50 a.m., the 'Cap Finistère' ferry located the sailor and successfully brought him aboard, subsequently transporting him to safety in Portsmouth. For more details and visual recounting of the operation, you can read the French report here: https://voilesetvoiliers.ouest-france.fr/securite-en-mer/sauvetage/sauvetage-du-naufrage-par-la-britanny-ferries-le-recit-de-l-officier-passerelle-du-cap-finistere-e350b56a-7d65-11ea-b246-7bc0ef74aaa3.

On July 29, 2019, a dramatic maritime rescue unfolded in the waters south of Brest, France, when the ferry "Cap Finistère" came to the aid of the distressed yacht "Hiva Oa". The incident began with a distress call received at 6:53 p.m. by the CROSS Étel, alerting authorities to the predicament of the 10-meter yacht which was located approximately 105 miles south of Brest. At the time, the "Cap Finistère" was stationed about 15 miles north of the yacht's last known position. By 8 p.m., the crew of the "Cap Finistère" successfully established radio communication with the beleaguered yacht, only to learn that it had capsized and dismasted, leaving its four crew members in peril—one of whom sustained injuries. Adverse weather conditions posed significant challenges, with fierce winds of 50 knots and towering swells of six meters exacerbating the situation. Responding swiftly, a Cayman helicopter from the Naval base at Lanvéoc-Poulmic took off at 8:17 p.m. equipped with a medical team ready to assist the yacht crew. The ferry successfully located the distressed vessel at 8:35 p.m., after which the precise coordinates were relayed to the helicopter crew. By 9:10 p.m., the helicopter had arrived on the scene and executed a hoist operation to rescue the yacht’s crew. The courageous individuals were subsequently transported to the hospital Cavale Blanche in Brest, where they arrived safely at 1:05 p.m. the following day. This joint operation highlights the critical collaboration between maritime authorities and rescue teams during emergencies at sea. For further details and visuals of this remarkable rescue, you can read the French report with photos available at: https://www.premar-atlantique.gouv.fr/communiques-presse/operation-de-sauvetage-de-l-equipage-d-un-voilier-en-detresse-dans-le-golfe-de-gascogne-200-km-au-sud-de-brest.

On May 19, 2019, at 2:15 PM, the CROSS Jobourg received an urgent call regarding a medical emergency involving a 73-year-old British woman aboard the 'Cap Finistère', which was en route from Santander to Portsmouth. The passenger reported experiencing severe chest pains. In response, the CROSS Jobourg coordinated with the Toulouse Medical Center for Consultation (CCMM) and the Maritime Medical Coordination SAMU based in Le Havre to facilitate a swift medevac of the patient. A Cayman helicopter from the Navy base in Maupertus was dispatched to the scene after picking up a medical team in Querqueville. The helicopter made its way to the vessel, located approximately 38 miles west of Guernsey. By 4 PM, the onboard medical team had stabilized the patient, allowing for a safe hoisting operation. The woman was subsequently transported to Chantereyne Port in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin and later taken to Pasteur Hospital for further medical care. This incident highlights the effective collaboration between maritime agencies and medical services in ensuring the safety and health of individuals at sea.