When trawler-scalloper Perle d’Albâtre lost engine power, rescuers mounted an operation to recover the vessel and its crew during the height of Storm Benjamin battering the English Channel earlier this week.
Initially another company vessel, l’Avenir, began the tow as Perle d’Albâtre was without power north of Ouistreham, but the two vessels collided, resulting in a gash in the disabled trawler’s hull, above the waterline.
SNAM lifeboat Cross Jobourg was deployed during the night, while merchant vessel Olga stood by to provide a lee for the stricken fishing vessel. An hour into the tow to Ouistreham the full force of the storm hit, with wind speeds of 65 knots, gusting to 75 knots. A rescue helicopter arrived at the scene, but conditions were considered too dangerous to airlift Perle d’Albâtre’s crew.
After towing the trawler for seven hours, a second attempt was made, with ferry Mont St Michel providing shelter for the operation to lift the four crew to safety. Perle d’Albâtre was finally brought into Ouistreham after a nine-hour tow.
