A Quebec-based shipping company says three maritime apprentices who had been aboard its vessels in the Persian Gulf since late February have returned safely to the province.
In a statement issued on Friday, Desgagnés confirmed that the Institut Maritime du Québec (IMQ) trainees were aboard the N/M Rosaire A. Desgagnés and the N/M Miena Desgagnés and had not been able to leave the region since February 28.
The company said it implemented a repatriation plan due to current uncertainty over when security measures would allow ships to leave the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz.
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The Strait of Hormuz, the only maritime exit from the Persian Gulf, has been seriously affected by the escalation of the conflict in the region.
Recent fighting involving Iran, the United States and Israel has led to missile and drone attacks, increased security risks and serious disruptions to commercial shipping in the narrow passage.
The situation has turned the area into what maritime groups describe as a high-risk zone, where ships face threats ranging from attacks to navigation disruptions.
Desgagnés said the students were flown to Europe from Saudi Arabia, with the support of local shipping agents and Saudi authorities, before continuing their journey back to Canada.
The IMQ provided support services to students and their families throughout the situation, including personalized psychosocial support.
The trainees had been aboard the vessels as part of an at-sea training program required to earn their university diploma in navigation and a deck officer certificate from Transport Canada.
Desgagnés thanked the crews of both ships, as well as local maritime agents and Saudi authorities, for their cooperation in ensuring the safe return of the students.
– With files from The Canadian Press
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