120 migrants rescued during attempted crossings in the English Channel

MADRID Dec. 13 () –

At least 120 migrants have been rescued this Thursday by French authorities during several attempts to cross into the United Kingdom through the English Channel, amid an increase in the number of boats trying to reach British soil.

The maritime prefecture of the Channel and the North Sea has indicated in a statement that during the night from Wednesday to Thursday the regional operational center for surveillance and rescue was informed of “numerous departures of migrant boats” in the Strait of Calais. .

The French authorities have carried out rescue operations regarding four different vessels. After two engine failures, they have rescued 52 people off the coast of Gravelines and 64 in Grand-Fort-Philippe.

On the other hand, the maritime prefecture has warned of the risks involved in crossing the canal, pointing out that it is one of the busiest areas in the world with more than 600 commercial ships every day and that weather conditions are usually difficult, especially in winter, for precarious and overloaded vessels.