A coastguard patrol boat sank on Friday 7 June off the coast of Les Sables-d’Olonne (Vendée), whilst Storm Miguel is battering the Atlantic coast. There were seven sailors on board, the departmental prefect said on Twitter. “The Departmental Operations Centre has been activated. NOVI Plan No. 1 activated – Plan Blanc pre-activated,” he added. Three people have died, according to the prefecture
The NOVI plan is an emergency plan designed to rescue a large number of victims at a single location and provide them with first aid. The SNSM vessel was set off to come to the aid of a fishing boat in serious distress.
A rescue operation is currently underway. Three helicopters are flying over the area and the fire brigade are on the scene. More information to follow...