They did so at dusk, 349.5 km off the Brazilian coast, on the edge of the Exclusive Economic Zone, “in order to avoid any logistical, operational, environmental and economic damage to the Brazilian State”. In its press release, the Brazilian Navy paid tribute to the aircraft carrier and its crews “worthy servants of the French and Brazilian navies”. The export licence for the ex-Foch in 2000 specified that the conditions for dismantling the Sao Paulo aircraft carrier had to be authorised in advance by the French authorities. In a way, France is an accomplice in this disaster decided and assumed by Brazil.

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Only in French.

Only in French.

3:30 p.m

Yesterday, 315 km off the Brazilian coast, the Dutch tug ALP Guard was replaced by the Brazilian Navy deep sea-going tug Purus. The Brazilian Navy staff stated in its press release that considering the state of deterioration of the hull of the aircraft carrier NAeL Sao Paulo, ex-Foch, it would not allow her return to a port or to Brazilian territorial waters. Robin des Bois believes that a scuttling operation is being prepared.