the essential
At least three migrants died in an attempt to cross the Channel this Sunday, December 29 morning in Pas-de-Calais. This year, at least 76 people have died during illegal crossings.
The tragedies in Manche (Pas-de-Calais) continue until the middle of winter. This Sunday, December 29, three people died in an illegal crossing. According to the mayor of Sangatte, Guy Allemand (ENS) “seven people are in relative emergency”. The tragedy took place near Blériot-Plage in Sangatte.
An important emergency system on site
Around 6 a.m., several people found themselves in the water after trying to board an overloaded boat, said the Channel and North Sea Maritime Prefecture. Around fifty people were taken care of on land, either by associations or by state services. A very large rescue system was deployed on site, with around thirty fire, civil protection, police and CRS vehicles.
“It doesn’t stop”
Since Christmas, despite the winter weather, light winds have favored crossing attempts. Between Wednesday December 25 and Saturday December 28, nearly 1,500 migrants reached English waters aboard makeshift boats, according to figures communicated by the British authorities.
“It doesn't stop, it's crossing after crossing, there is no drop, quite the contrary,” reacted the mayor of Sangatte. With at least 76 deaths, the year 2024 was the deadliest for candidates for exile to England who are taking more risks to brave an ultra-secure border.
