Working Conditions Aboard the Navigator-Grace

On August 4, 2017, a dramatic maritime rescue unfolded 40 miles south of Marseille when the tanker "Navigator Grace" came to the aid of the motor yacht "Soul," which was engulfed in flames. The incident was reported at 1:45 p.m. when the CROSS Med received an alert from the control tower at Marignane Airport, indicating that an aircraft had spotted the burning vessel, with two men clinging to life in a nearby liferaft. In response, CROSS Med quickly coordinated assistance from nearby ships. Simultaneously, a Panther helicopter from the National Navy Flotilla 36F, based in Hyères, was dispatched to the scene. The helicopter arrived at 2:40 p.m. and successfully hoisted the two Spanish men, aged 58 and 66, from their precarious situation. They were safely returned to Hyères by 3:45 p.m. The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time. For further details, you can view the French report, which includes a photo, at: https://www.premar-mediterranee.gouv.fr/communiques-presse/assistance-deux-naufrages-large-marseille.html. Remember, in case of an emergency at sea, you can contact services by dialing 196 from any phone or tuning into VHF Channel 16.