Paris, November 12th, 2008 pdf file
Eight of BOURBON’s crew members, seven French and one Tunisian, kidnapped in Cameroon last 31st October and released on November 11th, have arrived in France this morning.
On arrival at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport Mme Rama Yade, Minister of State to the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, with responsibility for Foreign Affairs and Human Rights, greeted them in the presence of their families and friends.
After medical check-ups, all eight of them appear to be in good health.
So also were the two other crew members, both Cameroonian, who remained in their country and have already been reunited with their families.
At the airport to meet the liberated crew members, Jacques de Chateauvieux, Chief Executive Officer of BOURBON said: “It is with a great joy and relief that BOURBON’s staff and I have learnt of the release of the ten crew members of the Bourbon Sagitta, held hostage in Cameroon. I wish to thank all those involved in obtaining this successful outcome, in particular the Cameroonian authorities, the French Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs, and all BOURBON’s staff members for their unrelenting daily implication and support. I would also like to pay tribute to the professionalism and calm of the other crew members left on board. My thoughts go out to the families and friends who have shown great courage in the face of this terrible ordeal.”
BOURBON reiterates its thanks to all those who have contributed to the successful outcome of this affair.
With 5,000 professionals and a fleet of 266 owned vessels and 194 units on order, BOURBON is currently present in more than 28 countries. BOURBON offers a broad range of offshore oil and gas marine services. Under the Horizon 2012 plan BOURBON intends to become the leader in modern offshore oil and gas marine services by offering the most demanding clients worldwide, a full line of innovative, high performance and new-generation vessels. and an expanded offer of Inspection, Maintenance and Repair services. BOURBON also specializes in bulk transport and protects the French coastline for the French Navy.