VICTORIA, Seychelles — A commemorative plaque was unveiled at the weekend marking the 50th anniversary of the rescue of 15 passengers from the schooner Ero (Hero) by Captain Luc Grancourt and his six crew members on August 12, 1975. The unveiling took place near where the schooner used to dock, in the presence of Mr Grancourt’s family, the Anglican priest Reverend Simon Fred, and other well-wishers. Only three of the original seven rescuers are still alive.
The story of Captain Grancourt has inspired many Seychellois from all walks of life. On the day of the incident, Ero left Praslin for its usual daily trip to Mahé, but the restless sea of the south-east monsoon made the crossing perilous. When the vessel got into difficulties, the young captain and his crew managed to bring all 15 passengers to safety, in an act of courage that has been retold across generations. The schooner Ero was never seen again, but Mr Grancourt found a piece of the boat with the vessel’s name on it and kept the original steering wheel, which he did not throw away after replacing it with a new one prior to the sinking.
Reverend Fred led a short memorial service before the unveiling and told the media that the plaque fulfilled a promise made to him by Archbishop Emeritus Chang-Him, who used to call Captain Grancourt on each anniversary of the sinking. The schooner itself had been found drifting at sea by two men, Ernest Morin and Robert Morgan, who repaired her and gave her the name Ero — E for Ernest, Ro for Robert. Mr Grancourt’s father later bought the schooner and kept the name, and the vessel returned to sea and made many voyages under different owners before its final fateful trip. The plaque now stands as a reminder of the unwavering faith, determination, courage and strength of a young captain and his team.
