At an event held at the Port of Québec cruise terminal, Mario Girard, President and CEO of the Québec Port Authority (QPA), recognized the captain and crew of the Queen Mary 2 (QM2) for the noble gesture of coming to the aid of Mylène Paquette in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
On September 26 of this year, the QM2 deviated from its course to offer assistance to Ms. Paquette, who several days earlier had equipment broken that was vital to her voyage. The Captain and his crew provided her with food supplies, a satellite phone and a drogue anchor, which serves to keep her rowboat on course.
Their actions were acknowledged by the QPA late this morning at the Ross Gaudreault Cruise Terminal, in the presence of Ms. Paquette’s mother and sister as well as the staff of the QM2. Ship captain Kevin Oprey and his crew were welcomed by the management of the QPA and several representatives from Québec’s maritime sector.
“It was an honourable gesture that shows great generosity. What Captain Oprey and his team did deserves to be publicly recognized. Their action was entirely appropriate for the queen of the seas,” said Mario Girard.
During the event, Mylène Paquette was able to thank the Captain and his staff via satellite. The Quebec rower is currently at sea, about 20 days away from Lorient, France—her destination. The QPA took the opportunity to encourage Ms. Paquette’s initiative with a financial contribution to her journey, as well as organizing a fundraising event.
