The multiplication of attempts to cross the Channel by migrants is "deeply disturbing," said Thursday the British Secretary of State for Immigration Caroline Nokes after 34 new migrants were rescued. "The number of incidents over the last few days is deeply disturbing, with some (of this traffic) clearly facilitated by criminal groups, while other attempts seem opportunistic," noted Caroline Nokes.
Migrants intercepted in the night. Nine Iranian migrants managed to reach Sandgate Beach in Kent on a motorized rubber dinghy during the night from Wednesday to Thursday. The group consisted of five men, a woman, as well as two underage boys and a girl. Minors have been entrusted to social services. "Our rescue helicopter was able to identify the people on the beach and that's when we realized that they were safe and sound, and the police took charge," said the rescue station manager. in the Littlestone Sea, Matt Crittenden. Eleven others, five of whom were hypothermic, were also intercepted at night by a French patrol boat off Sangatte after several passenger ships detected the boat.
Rescues all morning. Rescue operations continued throughout the morning. Six Iranian men reached a beach in Dover on an inflatable boat before the border police questioned them. Fifteen minutes later, the border police intercepted eight other Iranian men off Dover. "We maintain close and continuous contacts with the French authorities and the partners of the authorities, in particular via the new Franco-British coordination and information center opened in Calais at the end of last month to fight against border crime. ", said Caroline Nokes.
Attempts to cross the Channel have multiplied since October, and 40 people were rescued off the Pas-de-Calais for the only day of Christmas. Sixteen others had already been rescued on 23 December. Crossing the Channel on small boats such as inflatable boats used by migrants is made particularly dangerous by the density of maritime traffic, strong currents and low water temperatures.