Every year, many migrants attempt to cross the Channel at the risk of their lives. One of our teams went to the Côte d'Opale to observe a situation out of control: migrants attempt the crossing several times a day, the police seem overwhelmed by the situation.
A gendarme takes a child out of the sea. He has taken off his jacket to warm the child he is holding in his arms. The boy, frozen by the cold, failed to board the boat that was to take him to the United Kingdom. He just risked his life. This scene seems unreal, yet it is completely ordinary on the Opal Coast.
Crossing attempts have been on the rise over the past year, forcing associations to increase their activity. Gaëtan, Giovanna and Angèle met at 3 a.m. to begin a marauding trip along the coast.
In their van, there is enough equipment for 80 people. “We are going to cover more than 80 km of coastline in search of people who would have tried to cross to England, but who would have missed it. They end up on beaches, usually soaked“, explains Angèle, volunteer.
The police came and seized the boat
First step: the team stops at a key location from where we can observe a large expanse of dune and beach. A blue light calls out to them directly. It’s the maritime police on a surveillance mission. Perhaps this is a departure? “It is a large natural area with large dunes in which people wait and then attempt to leave“, says the volunteer.
Departures under close surveillance
5am. A first call for help sounds. Between 20 and 30 people are at Wimereux station, a small seaside resort well known to Belgians. These women, men and children have just attempted a crossing. They were intercepted with the boat on the beach by the police.
Mayo, 17, is of Sudanese origin. He paid 2,000 euros for the crossing. This is already the 8th time he has tried to reach the United Kingdom: “The police came and seized the boat. It is difficult for those who organize departures to find a boat on the same day. It's going to take time“.
I will continue to try to pass, I want to concentrate on my studies
This young man has fled the civil war in Sudan since last January. He once crossed the Mediterranean Sea on a makeshift boat. Today, he wants to come to the United Kingdom because he knows the language, to continue his studies. “The Mediterranean was much more dangerous. Here it's easier. I will continue to try to pass, I want to concentrate on my studies“, he said.
After receiving a blanket and a hot drink, the group of migrants is invited to take another train in Calais to reach Dunkirk. “When you are there, you can send a message. And we will try to find you a roof, a place to sleep“, advises the volunteers.
There are departures daily, even several times a day when the weather is favorable. The UK has recorded 32,900 asylum applications this year alone. This is 10% more than in 2023.
2024, the deadliest year
On the way along the coast, we pass people with life jackets. They head with determination towards the beach. No doubt: migrants will attempt a crossing. The police try to follow them to try to stop them, in vain. The numbers do not allow the police to make arrests.
In the distance, we see a boat already overloaded. Smugglers come to pick up the migrants who are already in the sea. The majority manage to board… But six people fail. Two men, two women and two children.
For the police, a rescue operation is now beginning. A man on the ground is hypothermic. Two gendarmes managed to lift him with difficulty and dragged him into the water. Everyone is exhausted from fatigue and the cold. The six people escaped, while the man suffering from hypothermia was sent to the hospital.
On the horizon, the boat is still visible. At sea, the police are prohibited from intercepting boats. The boat will therefore be escorted by the French navy to the border, the British navy will ensure the end of the journey towards Dover.
An “absolute distress”
So they managed to get through, but not everyone has this ease. The year 2024 is considered the deadliest year in terms of Channel crossings: at least 52 people have died, compared to 24 last year.
“It shows the absolute distress of people, who do not hesitate to take risks to reach England. It also shows the dismay of the emergency services and police who do not know what to do, who do not know how to manage the situation.“, Angèle is indignant.
Yet attempts to cross continue again and again, despite the danger and uncertainty.
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