The French navy carried out a rescue operation on Wednesday, saving 85 migrants stranded while attempting the dangerous journey across the English Channel. According to maritime authorities, the incident occurred near France’s Pas-de-Calais region, where a migrant boat became stuck on a sandbank.
A navy tugboat managed to save 80 people from the stranded vessel. In a separate operation, another five migrants were rescued from a different boat nearby. All those rescued were transported to Boulogne-sur-Mer, where emergency services and border police provided them with necessary assistance.
This rescue adds to the growing concerns about the risks migrants face while attempting the perilous Channel crossing. Over 70 people have lost their lives attempting the journey this year alone, according to local authorities. Despite the dangers, tens of thousands have successfully crossed the Channel, intensifying pressure on the UK government to curb people-smuggling networks.
The UK has increased efforts to tackle illegal crossings, including stricter border controls and collaborations with French authorities. However, the ongoing crossings highlight the desperate circumstances that drive many migrants to risk their lives in search of better opportunities.