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Throughout the year, volunteers from the Saint-Barth branch of the National Society for Sea Rescue (SNSM) come to the aid of sailors and vessels in distress. This Saturday, the island’s residents are invited to join a big barbecue organized by the SNSM on Public Beach, from noon to 10 p.m. With a refreshment stand, grilled food, and music, all the ingredients will be there to joyfully celebrate the end of the season with the volunteer rescuers.
Since Ingénu Magras’s departure, Côme Leduc has been appointed president of the SNSM. Along with the chief, Julien Lestin, the team continues to grow and improve. The Saint-Barth SNSM now has 24 volunteers, including Elise, the secretary. “Everyone has their first-aid certification; we have five firefighters on staff; we’ve got our coastal licenses—we’ve had a big year of training,” says Julien Lestin proudly.
In addition, with the Capitaine Danet refurbished and in top condition, the SNSM has had a second vessel for several months now. A RIB that allows for faster and more effective response when needed. A boat funded by the Territorial Collectivity and Le Ponant.
Furthermore, the rescuers now have a proper facility at the exit of the commercial port, on the Public Beach side. This change in location (the Capitaine Danet was previously moored in the port of Gustavia) has significantly transformed life at the SNSM. Both in terms of daily operations and in terms of appeal. “Having a physical station encourages more people to join us,” notes Julien Lestin. However, while the SNSM has access to more and more equipment, regular training, and a growing budget, all the rescuers remain volunteers. A fact the public sometimes forgets. “Which means we need the support of the community and the business community,” explains the chief. Each operation has a cost, which is nevertheless billed at a very low rate to those rescued. As for the maintenance of the two boats, it amounts to approximately 100,000 euros per year. Therefore, every donation collected by the SNSM proves to be invaluable. This Saturday, during Public’s big barbecue, visitors and participants will have the opportunity, if they wish, to provide financial support to the SNSM. So that the rescuers can continue to carry out their mission in service of the people of Saint-Barthélemy.
