On June 5, 2017, a diver was reported missing off Boulogne-sur-Mer, the CROSS Gris-Nez coordinated a research operation off Boulogne-sur-Mer.
What happened?
The “Dive Star” had reported early in the morning that one of its divers was missing. Indeed, following a dive in about 40 meters depth.
Search on for missing diver:
The CROSS Gris-Nez initiated an SAR operation involving the French customs patrol boat “Jacques Oudart Fourmentin” stationed in Boulogne-sur-Mer, the SNSM-boat from Boulogne-sur, a patrol boat of the Maritime Affairs, the “Fort de l’Heurt” from Boulogne-sur-Mer and a Dauphin SP helicopter of the French Navy base in Le Touquet.
The Coastal Maritime Surveillance Authority (VCSM) deployed the “Scarpe” of the water police in Boulogne-sur-Mer, and a Belgian NH-90 helicopter took off from Koksijde. The search operation was complicated by unfavorable weather in the area.
Investigation initiated:
The “Dive Star” proceeded to Dunkerque for investigations, where the crew was interrogated by the officers of the “Escaut” from Dunkerque.
Search unsuccessful:
After a whole day of unsuccessful search, the maritime prefect of the Channel and the North Sea decided the end of the active search in the early evening.
The nautical flights and patrols which are part of the permanent surveillance of the maritime zone were to be oriented towards this zone in the forthcoming days.
