A total of 40 migrants in five boats were rescued on Christmas Day in the English Channel between Britain and France. Among them were several children. The rescued were traveling despite the wintry weather on the busy shipping route. The English Channel is approximately 40 kilometers wide between Calais and Dover.
The migrants had been discovered in dinghies during the night or early morning hours. All were medically treated. According to the Home Office in London, they said they came from Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan.
French authorities were also involved in the actions. They rescued six adults and two children from distress about 20 kilometers north of the port city of Calais. The boat of the rescued had an engine failure.
Migrants are always trying to get to the UK from the continent. Despite the cold weather, the number of attempts in recent months has increased, it says from the French side. The British Home Office spoke of organized crime. Work closely with the French authorities to stop the gangs.