SNS7-034 NOTRE DAME
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Five of 90 migrants taken into care, two died
On the evening of Oct 4, 2026, a boat attempting to cross to the United Kingdom was reported to the CROSS Gris-Nez in the Berck-sur-Mer area (62). The SNSM deployed the 'Notre Dame des Sables' from Berck-sur-Mer to monitor the boat, along with a Spanish Guardia Civil patrol vessel, which was operating under the orders of the maritime prefect. Upon arrival, they reported approximately 90 people on board. Five people were taken into care of the rescuers. Two men were in cardiac arrest and received immediate medical attention from the SNSM crew. Despite their efforts, the emergency medical service (SMUR) pronounced both men dead. The other people, injured by prolonged contact with the gasoline in the boat, received medical attention. The castaways aboard the Guardia Civil patrol boat were disembarked and assisted by land-based rescue services in Boulogne-sur-Mer.
96 migrants rescued at Le Touquet
On the morning of August 17, 2026, a migrant boat was reported to the CROSS Gris-Nez north of Fort-Mahon. The boat was heading towards the beach at Le Touquet. To monitor the situation, the following resources were deployed by CROSS: - the 'Minck'; - the French Navy's Dauphin helicopter based in Le Touquet; - the RHIB 'SNS 7-034 - Notre-Dame-des-Sables' from the SNSM station in Berck-sur-Mer; - the ambulance (VSAV) from CODIS 62; - a light rescue boat (BLS) from CODIS 62; - The SDIS personal watercraft from CODIS 62. To assist with the embarkation phase on the beach at Le Touquet and to rescue migrants in distress, the 'Minck' deployed its operational rescue craft (EDO). As a group of 60 people prepared to board, the CROSS Gris-Nez dispatched the 'Notre Dame Des Sables' and informed the Departmental Operational Center for Fire and Rescue (CODIS) 62, which deployed a Victim Rescue and Assistance Vehicle (VSAV) and a light rescue boat (BLS). The French Navy's Dauphin helicopter and the CODIS 62 watercraft were subsequently deployed to assist a second group of approximately 30 people still in the water. The gendarmerie ashore then reported to CROSS a group of people experiencing significant difficulties in the currents. The Dauphin helicopter rescued four people, while the RHIB rescued six others, who were attempting to return to the beach but refusing all assistance. A diver on board helped them cross. The migrant boat then resumed its voyage, but suffered an engine failure shortly afterwards. The EDO of the 'Minck' then rescued all the occupants. In total, 96 people were rescued and disembarked at the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer.
Migrants rescued during boat departures
On May 2, 2026, several migrant boats were reported to the CROSS Gris-Nez, attempting to cross the Strait of Dover. The following resources were deployed: - the patrol boat 'Armoise' of the Maritime Gendarmerie; - the RHIBs 'SNS3-025 Saint Blaise' and 'SNS 511 Le Petit Champi' from the Cayeux-sur-Mer SNSM station; the RHIB 'SNS 7-034 Notre Dame des Sables' from the SNSM station in Berck-sur-Mer; - the 'VB Abeille Normandie', chartered by the French Navy; - the reconnaissance and rescue vessel (BRSC) from the Ault fire and rescue center and - the BRSC from the Cayeux-sur-Mer fire and rescue center. A land patrol by the security forces eported a first migrant boat in the Merlimont beach area. The 'Armoise' was dispatched by the CROSS to secure the boat. During the boarding process, one person indicated theintention to be assisted by the patrol boat. The person was safely disembarked on the beach and taken into the care of a VSAV (Emergency Medical and Rescue Vehicle) from the Pas-de-Calais fire department. The boat continued its journey out to sea and reached British waters. A second boat was reported by the Ault semaphore station in the Onival beach area. During the boarding process, three migrants requested assistance from state resources and were assisted by one of the BRSC (Reconnaissance and Rescue Boats) and by the 'Notre Dame des Sables' during the boarding process. Having disembarked safely, they were met on the beach by a fire department ambulance from the Somme region. The boat continued its journey and reached British waters.
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