French OPV Fulmar begins winter refit period. French Navy photo.

At the beginning of December, the Fulmar patrolled off the archipelago and strengthened its ties with the Canadian Coast Guard.

The Fulmar is starting its winter period. The depressions that are deepening on the banks of Newfoundland limit the duration of deployments and require the crew to be flexible in seizing opportunities for activities at sea.

Since its eventful return from Quebec City on November 17, where it was on a relocated technical stop, the Fulmar has already completed two sea trips between the storms that have crossed the archipelago. They made it possible to carry out maritime surveillance of the approaches to Saint-Pierre as well as the island of Langlade south of Miquelon.

In addition, the ship called at Newfoundland on the Burin Peninsula facing the archipelago, in the town of Marystown. Some of the crew were invited to visit the Burin Lifesaving Station.

Made up of 2 crews of 4 people who take turns every fortnight, this station provides a search and rescue (SAR) alert at 30 minutes using a 19-metre long speedboat with a range of 100 nautical miles. It is therefore the counterpart of the launch of the National Sea Rescue Society (SNSM) based in Saint-Pierre and manned by volunteers. The Fulmar, due to its offshore SAR capabilities, is required to intervene in the same areas as these coastal launches.

These outings are also an opportunity to resume training at sea after two months at the quayside. MAG58 shooting, dives, man-overboard and firefighting exercises, the pace is dense in order to maintain a resilient crew that can withstand the elements.

By Editor