French Minister pays tribute to fisherman killed near Alderney

Monday 21 June 2021

France’s Maritime Minister has paid tribute to fishermen who “risk their lives” each day to provide food for others after a French mariner died after going overboard near Alderney.

Guernsey Coastguard was alerted to an incident 20 miles west of Alderney involving a 16m French boat called ‘Sextant’ at 08:50 on Friday (18 June).

A search and rescue attempt was coordinated by the French Coastguard and included several fishing boats – Hegoak, Louis Agathe and Atlas - and Granville-based civil security helicopter, the Dragon 50.

The Alderney Lifeboat was launched at 09:05 and arrived at the search and rescue area at 10:30. One man was winched on board a French helicopter from the sea in order that he could be taken to hospital. However, he had unfortunately already died.

Pictured: The tragedy occurred around 20 miles west of Alderney.

The Alderney Lifeboat remained in the area until the all-weather French lifeboat ‘Mona Rigolet’ came to pick up a second casualty from the fishing boat. They were then transferred to the Avranches-Granville hospital. 

The fisherman who lost his life was 57-years-old, according to French media, who described him as “experienced” and “well-known” in the Saint-Vaastais fishing community. 

The ‘Sextant’, which primarily fishes for scallops and mussels, had a gantry at its stern.

Pictured: The ‘Roy Barker 1’ helped French authorities search for the fisherman.

France Bleu reported that the tragedy came after the fishing gear broke. It said an investigation has now been opened by the prosecutor’s office in Cherbourg and will be overseen by the maritime gendarmerie.

On Friday afternoon, the vessel was at the Cherbourg fish auction market where its catch was unloaded. 

France’s Minister of the Sea, Annick Girardin, said on Friday afternoon that it was “with sadness” that she had learned of the mariner’s death.

Mes pensées vont à la famille de la victime. Chaque jour, les pêcheurs mettent leur vie en danger afin d'assurer notre sécurité alimentaire durable. Je leur exprime ici toute ma reconnaissance.

— Annick Girardin (@AnnickGirardin) June 18, 2021

Confirming that support would be available for Sextant’s crew when they arrive at the port,  she added: “My thoughts go out to the victim’s family. Each day, fishermen risk their lives to ensure our food security. I express my gratitude to them.”