Overview
- The trawler Perle d’Albâtre lost power Wednesday night about 80 km from Ouistreham and later took on water after a collision during an attempted tow by the trawler L’Avenir.
- Gusts reaching roughly 137–140 km/h under Storm Benjamin made towing and initial hoist attempts too dangerous.
- Cross coordinated a multi-asset response involving the SNSM lifeboat, a Navy helicopter, the cargo ship M/V Olga and the ferry Mont‑Saint‑Michel to shield the trawler and stabilize operations.
- All four crew were hoisted to safety and received care ashore for slight hypothermia, with medical reception overseen by the SCMM and local firefighters.
- With the crew evacuated, the damaged vessel was towed to Ouistreham by midday, and the prefect maritime praised the combined efforts of state services and maritime professionals.