French patrol boat open for public visits in Auckland

From the 21st to the 25th of February, French Patrol Boat « La Glorieuse » and its sailors are to conduct aroutine visit in Auckland while on a maritime surveillance mission. The ship will be moored alongside Queens Wharf for the duration of the visit.

The ship will be open for public visits on Saturday 22 February from 9am to 11am and from 2pm until 4pm. Visits must be booked prior to 5pm on Thursday 20 February, through the French Embassy at the following address:presse.wellington-amba@diplomatie.gouv.fr.

Guided by sailors, visitors will be taken on tours through the different areas of the ship, discovering what life is like aboard a French marine vessel.

Based in New Caledonia, the French « Glorieuse » is the fifth of a series of ten P400 patrol boats created for the protection of Exclusive Economic Zones and for public services.

The missions of the boat are dedicated to protection and public service in the Pacific:

- Patrol

- Embargo control

- Commandos transport

- Maritime protection and surveillance

- Control of fishing activities

- Fight against illegal trafficking at sea

- Fight against pollution

The ship characteristics are as follows:

- Length: 55 meters

- Width: 8 meters

- Draught: 3 meters

- Displacement: 480 tons

Decorated with a National Defence Medal at the Gold level with a bronze star, Lieutenant Benjamin Haddad became the commanding officer of the patrol ship « La Glorieuse » in 2013. He will be available for interviews by appointment.

ENDS

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