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HMCS CHALEUR 144
Bay Class Minesweeper
HMCS CHALEUR was laid down on June 8, 1951, at Port Arthur Shipbuilding in Ontario, Canada and launched on June 21, 1952. She served briefly in the RCN before being decommissioned on September 30, 1954.
Under the Marshall Plan, it was transferred to France, refurbished as a coastal minesweeper, and renamed La Dieppoise (hull number M730, later P655 as a patrol boat). After refit, it served in the French Navy, including overseas territories. It was notably stationed in New Caledonia (Nouméa) from around 1977, where it conducted surveillance missions in the Pacific for about 11 years. She was paid off circa 1985 due to age. In Jan 1988 scuttled in the Nouméa lagoon near Tabou Reef (coordinates approx. 22°29'10"S, 166°26'40"E), at a depth of about 26 meters. This created an artificial reef, now a popular and accessible dive wreck known for marine life like groupers, turtles, and corals. Her sister ships, also former Bay Class Minesweepers were included La Dunkerquoise, La Lorientaise, and La Malouine.
La Dieppoise Patrouilleur P655 -New Caledonia Diving
Commanding Officers
Lt Michael Arthur Martin, RCN - 18 Jun 1954 - 30 Sep 1954
They shall not be forgotten
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In memory of those who have crossed the bar 
