Before the tragedy
The new commander carries out a classic command exercise mission
January 17, 1968 - Assumption of command
Lieutenant Philippe BOUILLOT hands over command of the submarine MINERVE, which he has commanded since April 1966, to Lieutenant André FAUVE, who is recognized by the crew.
The submarine then sets off for a week of exercises at sea and is due to return on Saturday 27 January 1968.
Photo Paris Match Novermbre 1967 - Plongée de la Minerve
The vessel is a modern, recently refitted submarine in perfect working order. There are no anomalies to report.
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The crew is seasoned and experienced .
January 17-19, 1968 - 1st series of exercises
First series of conditioning exercises for the new Commander by LV Marc MERLO, squadron training officer.
This seaside course includes, as usual, exercises in:
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Retakes of views
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Bar damage
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Immersion changes with trim of ± 20 degrees
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Battery fire
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37 Kva converter group failure
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Men Overboard
January 22 to 26, 1968 - 2nd series of exercises
Second week of exercises with return scheduled for January 27 before 9 p.m.
During these exercises, only one minor incident, without gravity, was noted: the spillage of a purge box.
January 27, 1968 - La Minervesets sail for one last exercise
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01:15 The submarine disembarks the LV Merlo in the Vignettes harbor with great difficulty due to the storm, then returns to the open sea to carry out exercises in the diving sectors near Toulon (T65-T66).