A shipwreck that started it all
Daniel Rigolet, inventor of the first survival suit for sailors, died on December 31, 2022. Although he was not well known, it is interesting to look back at the life of this man who saved many lives at sea.
Born in the Paris region in 1930, Daniel Rigolet was already a seasoned sailor and oil tanker captain in 1971 when he came up with the idea of the survival suit. After starting out as a midshipman in sardine fishing, he trained until he reached the position of captain. That year, the tragic sinking of the cargo ship Maori in the Bay of Biscay occurred. Out of a total of 39 sailors, only one survived. He was saved from the cold November waters by the idea of putting on his diving suit. By keeping him warm, it saved his life.
Invent a survival suit
The story of the shipwreck led Commander Rigolet to make a simple observation: floating is not enough, you must also stay warm. In addition to lifeboats, life jackets and other vests, a garment that thermally insulates the sailor is essential. You need a suit that keeps you dry and warm.
He approached the manufacturer of clothing for sailors, Piel, which was bought by Guy Cotten in 1988. With Piel, he designed the first survival suit that would allow him to stay in water at 0°C for 24 hours.
Tests in the Raz Blanchard
As early as 1972, he carried out the first tests, in Pornichet and then in Le Havre and in front of various authorities. But the test that left its mark on people's minds and allowed the approval of the suit designed by Daniel Rigolet took place in January 1974. The sailor was dropped during a storm, by Force 9, in the Raz Blanchard by the lifeboat of the Goury station. The sea conditions did not even allow the rescue boat to recover him, and Daniel Rigolet reached the coast by his own means.
New tests with 7 volunteers of various morphologies in June 1974 lead to the approval of the suit.
Fight to make the suit mandatory
For Commander Rigolet, a new battle ensues. He wanted all Marines to have the same chances of survival. He campaigned to make it compulsory for professional sailors to wear survival suits on board. The man who became director of the Cherbourg Maritime Training School, lobbied the politicians of the time and made a few blows to raise public awareness. He jumped from the Alexandre III bridge in the middle of Paris during the 1979 boat show.
In 1983, Daniel Rigolet won his case and the survival suit was made compulsory for fishing and commercial sailors.
Support from the SNSM
Aware of the stakes involved in sea rescue, Daniel Rigolet will have provided significant financial support to the SNSM, the income from the patent registered on his suit being paid to the association. The launch of the Goury station bears the name of his wife, Mona Rigolet. A new generation all-weather boat in her name has just been delivered.
