A Quebec-based shipping company says three maritime trainees who had been aboard its vessels within the Persian Gulf since late February have returned safely to the province.
In a release issued Friday, Desgagnés confirmed the trainees from the Institut maritime du Québec (IMQ) were on board the N/M Rosaire A. Desgagnés and N/M Miena Desgagnés and had been unable to go away the region since Feb. 28.
The corporate said it implemented a repatriation plan on account of ongoing uncertainty around when security measures would allow the vessels to go away the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz.
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The Strait of Hormuz, the one maritime exit from the Persian Gulf, has been heavily impacted by escalating conflict within the region.
Recent fighting involving Iran, america and Israel has led to missile and drone attacks, heightened security risks and severe disruptions to industrial shipping within the narrow passage.
The situation has turned the realm into what maritime groups describe as a high-risk zone, with ships facing threats starting from attacks to navigation disruptions.
Desgagnés said the trainees were flown to Europe from Saudi Arabia, with support from local maritime agents and Saudi authorities, before continuing their journey back to Canada
The IMQ provided support services to the trainees and their families throughout the situation, including personalized psychosocial support.
The trainees had been on board the vessels as a part of a sea training program required for his or her college diploma in navigation and a deck officer’s certificate from Transport Canada.
Desgagnés thanked the crews of each vessels, in addition to local maritime agents and Saudi authorities, for his or her cooperation in ensuring the trainees’ protected return.
– With files from The Canadian Press
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