Grand-Nord Vessel Reviews and Specifications

On October 6, 2013, the survey ship 'Le Suroit' successfully rescued 29 Syrian refugees, part of a larger group of 363 asylum seekers who arrived in Italy within a 24-hour period. The vessel transported the rescued individuals to Pozzallo, a port in Sicily, on October 7. Among the same group were an additional 171 refugees saved by the Dutch cargo ship 'Abis Albufeira' from the same distressed boat. Although the refugees were visibly fatigued from their journey, they were reported to be in relatively good health. Fortunately, they had access to enough food and water, along with their own life jackets. At the time of the rescue, 'Le Suroit' was engaged in a geological survey, studying seismic activity and assessing tsunami risks in the waters off the coast of Sicily.