On the evening of January 14, 2021, a storm hit the English Channel, with winds gusting over 70 kilometers per hour, swells of up to two meters, and waves nearly five meters high. Far out at sea near Port-en-Bessin, a fishing boat named Breiz, filled with scallops, suffered a steering failure. Quentin Varin, a 27-year-old fisherman and part-owner of the boat, found himself in charge of the vessel for the first time. The day before, the co-owner of the boat had warned him about the risky conditions, but Varin felt he had no choice but to go out to sea. He was joined by two brothers, Steven and Jimmy Gibert, as crew members.
As the storm worsened, Varin realized they needed assistance and called the volunteer rescuers of the National Sea Rescue Society (SNSM) at the nearest port. However, they refused to head out due to dangerous conditions. The request was then redirected to another crew in Ouistreham, who accepted the mission. Philippe Capdeville, a seasoned volunteer rescuer of thirty-five years, led a team of seven mariners to tow the distressed fishing boat. On the Breiz, Varin and his crew grew increasingly anxious as the storm battered their boat. Varin texted his partner, Victoire, about the rough seas, while regularly updating his mother, Christelle, and father, Bruno, who was sailing nearby.
The towing operation began around 9:15 pm, but immediately encountered difficulties. The side cleats where the towline was attached began to bend under the strain, threatening to rip off the railings. The crew managed to secure the towline to the central cleat and continued on. Varin repeatedly asked the rescue boat to slow down as water was flooding onto their vessel, causing it to tilt dangerously. Capdeville reassured him that they would adjust the speed. The tension on the towline continued to escalate as the Breiz struggled to stay afloat. The crew faced the daunting challenge of navigating treacherous waters while desperately holding on to hope for a safe rescue.
Despite the perilous conditions, the rescue operation pressed on. The crew of the rescue boat, faced with the dual tasks of towing the distressed fishing boat and ensuring the safety of their own vessel, worked tirelessly to maintain control. Varin and his crew, clinging to the hope of a successful rescue, braved the stormy seas as they struggled to stay afloat. The tension was palpable as mother nature unleashed her fury upon the vulnerable vessels. Through sheer determination and teamwork, the rescuers managed to guide the Breiz back to safety, bringing relief and gratitude to all involved. The harrowing ordeal served as a testament to the bravery and resilience of those who risk their lives at sea to save others.
