Hot meals, makeshift beds for 400 evacuees of Sudan conflict on board French warship
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SINGAPORE - Hot meals and makeshift beds on board a warship were a source of comfort for around 400 people running away from the conflict in Sudan.
They were given aid as France answered the United Nations’ call to help evacuate those stuck in the fighting between rival factions of Sudan’s military government.
Captain Xavier Bagot, commanding officer of the French frigate Lorraine, said: “It was a challenge – we have five people working in the kitchen to feed everybody.”
The crew stocked up on food supplies in Djibouti before making their way to Sudan.
Compotes and porridge, food that is not usually on the menu on board the warship, were prepared for the children.
The French warship evacuated the people from Sudan on April 25, arriving in Saudi Arabia the next morning. By then, fierce fighting in the nation
“The United Nations asked us to evacuate the most urgent cases, including the injured, pregnant women and families with children,” Capt Bagot said in a media briefing at Changi Naval Base.
Lorraine, which is manned by 145 sailors, found itself teeming with more than 100 children in the 24-hour operation to evacuate people to Jeddah.
Some of the more comfortable areas in the ship with air-conditioning were cleared to make space for the evacuees, with blankets and duvets laid on the floor to make their journey more comfortable.
“We were ready to welcome them, not in cruise ship (level of) comfort of course, but in the best conditions possible,” Capt Bagot added.
Among the 400 people, who included Chinese, Philippine and Indonesian nationals, three were sent to the infirmary for treatment.
The two doctors on board helped a man who had a bullet wound, and two elderly evacuees who were exhausted by the journey.
The French Navy took delivery of Lorraine, the nation’s latest multi-mission frigate (FREMM), only in November 2022.
It has yet to be officially commissioned for active duty, and was on a long-term deployment to test its capabilities when it was called to assist in Sudan.
The ship arrived at Changi Naval Base on Saturday, and will depart on Thursday and head towards the Pacific Ocean, where the crew will interact with the Australian, Japanese and Philippine navies.
Lorraine is manned by 145 sailors on board.
ST PHOTO: GIN TAY
During its time in Singapore waters, the crew met with members of the Republic of Singapore Navy to share technical know-how and operational experience. Capt Bagot said there were no exercises conducted together due to the lack of time.
Lorraine, which is the eighth and last FREMM in the French fleet, boasts both air defence and marine warfare capabilities.
“Normally, you are only dedicated in one warfare, either air defence or anti-submarine. On Lorraine, we have both capabilities,” Capt Bagot said.
