On September 29, two French frigates escorting civilian ships in the Red Sea as part of Operation ASPIDES received a distress signal from the Dutch bulk carrier Minervagracht, which had been hit by a missile. The French ships responded immediately.
One of the French frigates dispatched its Caïman ARES helicopter from Flotilla 31F to rescue the crew of the burning ship. Despite difficult conditions and poor visibility, the ARES crew winched several sailors from the Minervagracht . The helicopter also brought a seriously injured sailor back on board the frigate .
Treated by the frigate’s medical team and rescuers, the injured man received intensive care, allowing his condition to be stabilized before being transferred by helicopter to Djibouti, more than 250 nautical miles away. The rest of the Minervagracht ‘s crew was evacuated and taken care of by the other French frigate and a Greek frigate present in the area.
This intervention, rapid, effective and perfectly coordinated with the French Forces stationed in Djibouti (FFDj) , saved the lives of many sailors. It once again illustrates the responsiveness and professionalism of our armed forces.
With these two vessels deployed as part of Operation ASPIDES, France confirms its commitment alongside its partners to maritime security and freedom of navigation between Suez and Hormuz.