An evacuation drill simulating an emergency scenario on the cable car in the city of Brest (Finistère) took place last Monday. As part of an annual drill, both cabins were brought to a halt at 9am, with trainee marine firefighters on board to simulate passengers trapped in the cabins due to a technical fault.
No fewer than three teams worked for over three hours to bring the ‘victims’ back to safety. Numerous onlookers watched as the Civil Protection helicopter dropped GRIMP firefighters onto the roofs of the cable cars to assist those who were stranded. From that point on, the operation proceeded in two phases, depending on the gondola’s position along the cable route.
Working hand in hand
The occupants of the cabin situated above the river were therefore abseiled down onto a French Navy barge, whilst the other victims were winched to safety by helicopter onto a nearby sports ground. Using an aircraft is the worst-case-scenario solution; there is a whole range of other alternatives available for coming to the aid of anyone in distress in the air.
This type of exercise clearly demonstrates the ability of the various emergency services to work together. During the morning, it was possible to see the Civil Protection Service, the marine fire brigade, the SDIS and the cable car operator working hand in hand. Prospective passengers can rest assured that these emergency services are ready to get you out of this predicament in under four hours.