French Vessel Docks In Lautoka

French naval patrol boat, La Glorieuse for the first time berthed at the Port of Lautoka on a four day port call.

The vessel arrived on Friday after patrolling our Exclusive Economic Zone as part of collaboration efforts with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division.

“Our mission is to fight against illegal trafficking, human trafficking, and drug trafficking and illegal fishing,” said Lieutenant Julien Feurtey, Commanding Officer.

“We patrol day and night far from the coast to report illegal activities at sea.” He also clarified, that they don’t have any legal means inside Fiji’s EEZ, if

they see any fishing vessel they report them to the Fiji Navy who then deals with it.

“When we depart Lautoka on Monday, we will patrol the Fiji EEZ again and ship to New Caledonia”, he said.

The vessel has four officers, 17 petty officers and eight enlisted.

The vessel first visited Port of Suva in December for the same focus.

Edited by Susana Tuilau

Feedback: rohit.kumar@fijisun.com.fj