Overview
- The 22–23 m Santa Anna Maria struck rocks late January 15 near the Présidents/Tanchet area of Les Sables-d’Olonne, and seven fishermen were hoisted off safely by the Sécurité civile helicopter Dragon 17.
- The vessel remains embedded in the shoreline with significant bow and starboard damage as heavy machinery works to stabilize the hull during low tide windows.
- Officials report roughly 20 tonnes of fuel onboard and confirm that some hydrocarbons have already entered the sea, with teams moving to pump remaining fuel from the tanks.
- Salvage planners are assessing whether a tow at high tide is feasible or if the trawler will need to be dismantled on site, with decisions pending structural and tide assessments.
- Investigators are examining the cause after crew cited a machine alarm and fatigue as possible factors, while residents reported strong fuel odors and local activities were canceled as a precaution.