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Throughout the year, volunteers at the Saint-Barth station of the National Society for Sea Rescue (SNSM) respond to alerts from the Cross (Regional Operational Center for Surveillance and Rescue) to assist sailors or vessels in distress. This is a vital mission that the organization carries out diligently but which requires ongoing financial investment. That is why the station has decided to launch a fundraising campaign, primarily to finance the refurbishment of its patrol boat, the Capitaine Danet.
“There’s quite a bit of work to be done,” explains Côme Leduc, president of the Saint-Barth SNSM. “An engine overhaul, work on the hull and deck, general maintenance, radio equipment… Every thirty months, we’re required to take it out of the water for a service.” Annually, the SNSM needs approximately 100,000 euros for maintenance operations. But that was before it took delivery of its second vessel: a brand-new RIB, the purchase of which was jointly financed by Le Ponant, the Territorial Collectivity, and the SNSM. A new and extremely useful “resource,” but one that, of course, entails an increase in the maintenance budget.
Although the SNSM receives an annual subsidy of 20,000 euros from the Territorial Collectivity, this covers only a small portion of its needs. “Today, we need to raise about 75,000 euros,” estimates Côme Leduc. “That’s a significant amount of money to raise in the short term.” ” To do so, and through an online donation form (available on the SNSM website or via a QR code), the SNSM’s Saint-Barth station is appealing to all potential donors—individuals, private citizens, and businesses… “At the same time, we’ve taken on additional paid missions,” the president points out. “To help with the anti-Sargassum barrier in Marigot, for example. Our goal is to remain operational.”
Since the beginning of the year, the SNSM has responded to more than twenty-five incidents at sea—rescuing vessels and sailors adrift or in distress, assisting in the search for missing persons, and more. Not to mention the training exercises and maintenance operations that bring the teams together every Saturday. In 2026, the Saint-Barthélemy station has twenty-six registered members. “But others are still waiting to join,” notes Côme Leduc. The station’s modernization, its new facility at the exit of the commercial port, and the energy of the current team continue to attract new volunteers. “We’ve had a busy year,” confirms the president. “But we’re always looking for new volunteers!” So, call to all interested parties.
To make a donation to the SNSM, a form is available on the association’s website.
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Rescuing Two Ships in Distress
The SNSM of Saint-Barthélemy carried out two rescue missions within three days following an alert from Cross Antilles Guyane. On Thursday, October 1, Crossag reported a catamaran sinking southwest of Fourchue. When the SNSM arrived on the scene, the catamaran was still floating half-submerged, and there was no sign of anyone on board. “They had found refuge on another catamaran anchored in Fourchue Cove,” the SNSM stated. “They are safe thanks to the solidarity of the seafaring community, which deserves to be highlighted. “Thank you to the crew of the Kent catamaran.” After a quick check on the survivors’ condition, and with the boat owner’s consent, the SNSM attempted to tow the catamaran out of the ferry route. Unfortunately, the RIB initially selected for its speed in reaching the scene proved too small to tow a catamaran of this size—especially one filled with water. After half an hour of effort, in consultation with the Cross, the SNSM abandoned the attempt. The wreck was reported, and the shipwrecked crew were transported back to Saint Barth. “They will take the ferry back to Saint Martin, where they had set out from,” noted the SNSM, which also towed the catamaran’s dinghy to Gustavia. |
