Imagine a captain whose father is Ukrainian, and whose ship is not welcome in Russia. He has been denouncing the dictatorial excesses of Vladimir Putin for a long time. Several members of the crew even went to Ukraine to bring humanitarian aid. Understand that being denied access to the port of Sète is difficult on board. “It is sure that we have the impression of being the victim of a collective punishment”reacts Cédric Cellier, a member of the crew.
The Shtandart, a replica of the famous 18th century Russian frigate, flagship of Tsar Peter the Great, was to take part in the festive event “Escale à Sète”, a large nautical gathering scheduled for April 11 to 18, 2022. But its participation has been prohibited. The old rig flies the Russian flag but it is an administrative obligation, her home port being Saint Petersburg. It is now docked in Port-de-Bouc, (Bouches-du-Rhône). “Anyone who visits the ship and is asked the question knows the difference between the flag of a training ship, which is a replica of a Russian frigate, and a Russian missile launcher”remarks Cédric Cellier.
Since Wednesday April 6, when the decision fell, negotiations have been underway with the Hérault prefecture, which invokes a risk of disturbing public order. For the moment, nothing is moving. However, the stakes are high according to Wolfgang Idiri, the director of the Escale festival in Sète. “If we manage to create a precedent in Sète by welcoming this boat in the port in a secure way, it would already be an outstretched handhe hopes. Because if this boat is not welcomed in Sète, it means that there will be little chance that other ports will do the opposite, and therefore, it means that it is persona non grata everywhere in the world. .”
“It’s still incredible when this boat is a friendly ship that has been delighting all the maritime festivals for ten years in Europe. We still live in a crazy world.”
Wolfgang Idiri, director of the Escale festival in Sèteat franceinfo
In La Rochelle, where the Shtandart is due to participate in the Boating Festival in two months, we are awaiting instructions from the authorities. However, Patrice Bernier, the master of the marina who knows the boat well, recalls the urgency of the situation. “This boat lives in particular for festivalshe explains. After two years of Covid, his fund is empty, he will have difficulty paying the crew on board. In addition, the master of the marina warns: “He has run out of fuel. He has to sail, and when there is no wind, he does not move forward. He is one of those who simply need humanitarian aid on board. his own boat.”
The ship was able to stock up on fresh water for free thanks to a market group, said the Porc-de-Bouc Tourist Office on Friday.
A decidedly paradoxical situation for the Shtandart, which sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The boat must leave Port-de-Bouc tomorrow. He still does not know where he will go next week.