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They’ve all come; they’re all here. On this Sunday, March 8, everyone from the national president of the National Society for Sea Rescue to the president of the Territorial Collectivity, including SNSM volunteers, the senator, the port director, and the honorary president of the Collectivity, has gathered to attend the christening ceremony for the Sao, the SNSM’s new semi-rigid boat, funded to the tune of 200,000 euros by the Collectivité. But while they have come for a blessing, they are also about to witness a farewell. That of the long-standing president of the Saint-Barthélemy SNSM station, Ingénu Magras.
“An honor and a privilege”
In his remarks, Ingénu Magras thanked SNSM President Emmanuel de Oliveira and Inspector General for the English Channel, North Sea, and Overseas Territories Bertrand Hudault for their presence. “Your trip from Paris demonstrates the interest you have in our station, but also your daily commitment to ensuring that the SNSM continues to be a true flagship of safety at sea,” he declared. He did not forget the Collectivité, nor the local and national government agencies with which the SNSM collaborates throughout the year (STIS, gendarmerie…), nor the Sao’s godmother, Soizic Jaumouillé, who had the privilege of christening the Sao by breaking a bottle of champagne on its anchor. Then Ingénu Magras concludes: “It is with particular emotion that I announce I will be stepping down as president at the end of this month of March. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve this station for over 40 years, and I leave with the conviction that we have laid a solid foundation for the future.” The surprise is not really that big.
Indeed, President Emmanuel de Oliveira presented him with the Medal of Maritime Merit in recognition of his loyal service to the SNSM. Similarly, Senator Micheline Jacques awarded a Senate medal to an emotional Ingénu Magras. It was then time to proceed with the blessing ceremony for the Sao.
Father Rulx-André Alcineus and then Reverend Margot Critchfield bless the vessel, both from the dock and on board, before the Sao’s godmother christened it with champagne.
An Indispensable SNSM
“We need SNSM stations on the Northern Islands,” asserts President Oliveira. “Water sports, recreational boating, and large yachts are growing exponentially across all the islands. I see rescue operations increasing proportionally. We cannot develop tourism and maritime activities without safety. To achieve this, the stations must have volunteers and new vessels. This is the case in Saint-Barth.” A source of satisfaction for Emmanuel de Oliveira, who commends the efforts to build loyalty made by Ingénu Magras, Captain Julien Lestin, and his predecessor Jérôme Pellerin.
A comprehensive support approach
“I am also very grateful to the Collectivité for supporting the SNSM to this extent, as it facilitates the mission of our volunteers,” he adds. The president of the Collectivité, Xavier Lédée, explains: “This support is part of a comprehensive support initiative for the station, including the provision of berths and a storage facility as part of the commercial port development project.”
In fact, since the beginning of the year, in addition to its new boat, the SNSM has been using brand-new facilities on the new commercial port platform. The move to this space has significantly improved the working conditions for the station’s volunteers.
“A magnificent station”
Eric, a volunteer with the SNSM since 2018.
“I got involved after Irma. We got the Capitaine Danet back up and running. We found ourselves out on the water and naturally became rescuers. A bit like pirates, but in the best sense of the word. The station has evolved and become magnificent with the resources we have. We have an incredible facility where we can gather and talk—we didn’t have that before. We have a gathering place, with lots of new, motivated young people.”
Yann, a volunteer since 2018, during the SNSM’s recovery efforts after Irma.
“Since 2021, the station’s evolution began with Jérôme, the former boss. Today, we have much better conditions for our work, but above all, it motivates and energizes the teams.”
Youenn, 27, with the SNSM since September 2025.
“I discovered the SNSM through the community organizations fair. I’ve always had a passion for first aid. We have a great station, and the new boat was a pleasant surprise. We’re preparing for certifications and training courses, each one more interesting than the last.”
Antonin, 22, joined in September 2025.
“Like Youenn, I learned about the station at the community organizations fair. At first, I just came to listen to what people were saying about the boat, and it piqued my interest. So I joined, and I’m very happy. We go through a lot of training and learn a lot about the boat. I’m from Normandy, so I’ve always lived by the sea. But the SNSM never appealed to me before. Now, I want to do this all the time. We motivated ourselves to get our boat licenses so we could join the team—it’s rewarding.”
Gilles, the youngest volunteer rescuer with the SNSM, and Jean-Baptiste.
