Read Authentic Ratings for the Jason

In a decisive move to protect the marine environment, the tugboat 'Jason' has been deployed for the removal of the 'Show Boat', a 337 gross ton vessel (IMO 8822909) that has found its resting place on a rocky seabed west of Capicciola Point in the commune of Zonza, situated in the northeastern region of the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio. The wreck lies at a depth of nine meters, raising concerns over maritime safety and environmental impact. This operation comes after the Maritime Prefect of the Mediterranean issued two formal notices followed by numerous reminders to the owner, urging the immediate action needed to mitigate environmental harm and restore safety. When these appeals went unanswered, the Prefect chose to mobilize state resources to address the situation by the owner's expense and risk. The first phase of this ambitious operation is scheduled to take place from July 2 to July 10, 2025. Its main goal is to eliminate the hazards posed by the wreck before the busy summer season begins. Under the coordination of the Corsican Sea and Coastal Directorate (DMLC) and the authority of the Maritime Prefecture, the Mediterranean Mine Clearance Diving Group (GPD) and the Aspretto Naval Base Anti-Pollution Unit join forces with the 'Jason' for this critical task. During the operational phase, all activities will be restricted within a 50-meter radius of the wreck, and swimming and diving will be prohibited within a 500-meter radius. The operation will involve careful installation of blanking plates and cutting tasks, necessitating the use of low-explosive charges from sunrise until 9:00 a.m. Stringent measures will be in place to ensure that all activities are executed with the utmost respect for the marine environment. The 'Show Boat', measuring 35.5 meters in length, originally grounded on October 23, 2024, due to severe swells while being dismantled in the port of Porto-Vecchio. Built in Paimboeuf in the Loire-Atlantique region at the Chauvet shipyard, this gastronomic and cruise ship had the capacity to host 200 passengers. The vessel was approved for operation by municipal and maritime authorities and was initially launched as 'Georges-Cadoudal' in April 1986, serving in the Gulf of Morbihan for just one season before transitioning to the French Riviera as 'Ville de Cannes', offering restaurant cruises in the Bay of Cannes. It eventually found new life in Porto Vecchio, hosting karaoke restaurant evenings, but operations ceased in 2016 due to health concerns tied to asbestos. Following a period of squatters aboard, dismantling efforts were initiated, paving the way for the upcoming wreck removal initiative.

On the evening of November 6, 2022, the CROSS Corsen was promptly alerted to a distress call from a 20-meter yacht that was taking on water off the Scandola Reserve, a protected marine area. The yacht, carrying three individuals, faced a critical situation requiring immediate assistance. The lifeboat from the SNSM station in Calvi Balagne responded swiftly and made contact with the stranded crew around 1:30 a.m. Fortunately, the castaways had managed to find safety in the yacht's semi-rigid dinghy. They were safely escorted back to the port of Calvi, where local gendarmerie officials provided them with the necessary support and care. Tragically, on the following day, November 7, at 2:30 a.m., the severely damaged yacht succumbed to the waters and sank. In response, the anti-pollution vessel 'Jason' was deployed to the sinking site to monitor for potential environmental hazards. By November 7, the Jason was stationed at coordinates 42° 42.67' N and 009° 04.32' E, ensuring that any pollution was effectively managed.

On October 12, 2022, a motor yacht sparked chaos and urgency as it erupted in flames approximately 3.7 nautical miles off the scenic coast of Bandol shortly after 10 a.m. The French Navy's Dauphin helicopter, 'Guepard Victor', together with the lifeboat 'SNS 164-Saint Elme II' and the semi-rigid boat 'SNS 7-009-Timothy', promptly responded to the alarming distress signal. A Mayday Relay broadcast prompted further assistance from local vessels, including the customs ship 'DF 63-Arenc' and the yacht 'Macif 32'. In a desperate situation, the two crew members, aged 68 and 76, were left with no choice but to leap into the water holding onto a buoy, as the flames engulfed their vessel, rendering their life jackets unreachable. Fortunately, they were quickly rescued by another yachtsman nearby and subsequently transferred onto the 'SNS 164' for medical evaluation. Due to symptoms of smoke inhalation, a decision was made to airlift them by helicopter to the Sainte Anne army training hospital for treatment. To tackle the raging fire on the yacht, the BSAA vessel 'Jason' was deployed, reaching the scene shortly after 11 a.m. However, the fire proved overwhelming, leading to the eventual sinking of the yacht. The 'Jason' stayed on standby to monitor for potential pollution threats. While surface debris was cleared, a slight iridescence was detected near the incident site, which eventually dissipated without the need for major pollution control interventions. By 4:30 p.m., with no visible pollution remaining, the 'Jason' concluded its operations and returned to Toulon. For more updates and images from this dramatic event, visit: https://www.bfmtv.com/var/var-une-vedette-coule-apres-un-incendie-au-large-de-bandol-deux-personnes-helitreuillees_AN-202210120738.html