New Channel crossing: around a hundred migrants saved – LINFO.re

Rescue teams were mobilized several times during the night to assist boats in distress. These actions made it possible to rescue 99 migrants trying to reach England.

Serial rescue operations

These stowaways, who left the northern coast of France, tried to head towards the British coast aboard small boats. They brave the risks linked to winter weather and ignore the state of their means of transport.

In the Huchette beach area, between Gravelines and Calais, 58 migrants were recovered thanks to the tugboat Abeille Normandie. This operation was launched after a report from Utopia 56, an association helping exiles. Although there were fears of falling into the sea, no people were found in the water. The people in distress requested assistance and were brought back to Boulogne-sur-Mer, where they received treatment.

At the same time, another intervention took place off the coast of Malo-les-Bains, in the Nord department. Alerted by the regional surveillance and rescue center (Cross) Gris-Nez, the rescue ship Ridens, chartered by the State, took 41 travelers present aboard a boat in difficulty. Other passengers continued on their way to England. The rescued people were taken to Calais, where they were welcomed.

Difficult conditions for risky crossings

Despite the winter weather conditions, these crossing attempts remain frequent. The maritime prefecture of the Channel and North Sea (Premar) highlighted the high number of departures recorded that night.

These crossings, often carried out in precarious boats, endanger the lives of the migrantsregularly mobilizing the French emergency services. “Given the risks of falling into the sea or injuries incurred by people in the event of forced intervention by French emergency services, the choice was made to let them continue their route, while ensuring monitoring of their crossing “, indicates the prefecture.