Immediate search operations
If the Minerve sank in an area where the depth exceeded 700 meters, the submarine's hull, crushed by the pressure, imploded, leaving no chance of survival for the crew. The search will focus on the coastal strip where the depth does not exceed this limit.
The goal sought and to be achieved is to save the survivors who may still exist in the hull of the submersible.
Location of search areas for mobilized buildings
Name of research vessels and location
If by some miracle the submarine ran aground in a shallow area while returning to Toulon, it would have a maximum of 100 hours of reserve oxygen. So we will search far from the area where the Minerve was last spotted; once the 100 hours have passed, there is no more hope.
100 hours after the disappearance, emergency search operations are abandoned
Diagram of the depths off Toulon
Immediate search area
Minerve exercise area on the morning of January 27
Implosion depth
Maximum diving depth
Depth
Maximum search depth
Distance from the coast
Diagram of a stranding
Toute la France se passionne pour ce drame.
Le Président de la République, le Général de Gaulle se tient informé heure par heure de l'avancée des opérations de recherches.
Le célèbre commandant Cousteau lui-même viendra plonger sur un point suspect avec sa célèbre soucoupe plongeante.
"Commander Robert Giraud" with Cdt Cousteau's saucer - Photo by Christian Parriaux
100 hours after the disappearance, emergency search operations were abandoned.
No trace of the submarine was found.
Telegram announcing the official end of the search
Document communicated by Jean-Gabriel NEVEU www.lanarvalaise.com