The French Navy, "La Marine" at Réunion, is the predominant Authority in the Indian Ocean islands. First of all, special permanent links with the French speaking Rulers and Governments around facilitate contacts, but also because the islands surrounding Réunion are not in a position to maintain appropriate forces and equipment. The French fleet has a permanent base at the west harbour of Port-Réunion and Air Force facilities at the St-Denis international airport.

There also exist inter-state agreements on co-operation. Other nations like South-Africa, the United States (based at Diego-Garcia) and Mauritius, generously participate in search, rescue and every assistance to endangered seamen. Commercial assistance to Vessels is another aspect which is beyond their control. As LLOYD’S AGENTS we generally liaise with Shipowners, Airlines and/or Underwriters to protect their interests.

La Marine quite often offers assistance to Crew Members at high seas and, as from this month, a new organisation called COSRU is operative. It is the local MRCC.

The last recorded catastrophe occurred at Moroni, in late november of 1996, when a Boeing 767 ER crashed. We are these days closing our file.