French Navy Ship pays a visit to New Zealand shores
La Glorieuse, a type P400 patrol boat normally based in Noumea in New Caledonia, visited Lyttleton from 3 to 7 December. It will stop
over in Wellington’s Queen’s Wharf from 10 to 13 December.
An official luncheon and a cocktail party onboard the ship for members of the French community and the Alliance Française were organised in honour of La Glorieuse’ visit to Christchurch.
During their weekend in Canterbury, the ship’s crew also treated locals to an open day, took part in a friendly pétanque
tournament at Hagley park and some games of beach volley ball.
Lieutenant Commander Nicolas du Chéné, who has been the vessel’s commanding officer since 23 July 2010, invites the Wellington public to come aboard to visit the French Navy ship on 11 December between 9.00 am and 11.00 am,
and 2.00 pm and 4.00pm. La Glorieuse will visit New Zealand as part of the French Navy’s routine patrols of the Exclusive Economic Zones of New Caledonia
and Wallis and Futuna. The purpose of these patrols is to keep the area clear of unauthorised fishing boats, pollution
and smugglers. The vessel is also used for humanitarian missions in isolated zones and search and rescue missions for
vessels in distress.
ENDS