A morning aboard Capitaine Danet

Sitting at the helm of Capitaine Danet, the SNSM (Société national de sauvetage en mer) boat in Saint-Barthélemy, a little boy bombards the skipper with questions. Without necessarily waiting for the answers, the child rushes into the boat. A few minutes later, wearing a helmet on his head, he breaks into a broad smile. On Sunday June 29, the SNSM organized a morning of discovery on the Quai du Général de Gaulle, to which the island's population was invited. The public was invited to come aboard the Capitaine Danet, and to observe some of the rescue maneuvers and equipment available to the lifeguards, all of whom are volunteers. Julien Lestin has been in charge of the SNSM for three months, after having been Jérôme Pellerin's first mate for three years. The latter retired after six years of loyal service. Captain Danet is 18 years old and underwent numerous repairs last year, which rendered her immobile for almost seven months," recalls Julien Lestin. We were delighted to get her back at the beginning of the year. "Not least because it enabled the volunteers to resume their weekly training cycle. When they're not attending training courses. Like the one that took place in Guadeloupe to learn about the SNSM's new computer system.
For the record, the Saint-Barth station operates autonomously. It receives an annual subsidy from the Collectivité, which has also helped the SNSM acquire a new RIB boat, due to arrive on the island in November. Donations also enable the section to operate, as does invoicing for interventions. Nevertheless, the SNSM is always on the lookout for financial contributions to balance its budget, which, as its president points out, hovers around 50,000 euros each year. "Knowing that all crew members are volunteers," insists Julien Lestin.