2023-12-03 19:15:54
Rescue operations in the Channel, the North Sea and the Strait of Pas-de-Calais are now almost daily. Despite the difficult weather conditions and negative temperatures, many migrants continue to take to the sea on overloaded boats to try to reach Great Britain. But more and more often, emergency services are faced with refusals of assistance and have no other choice than to let migrants continue on their way despite the danger.
On Saturday alone, nearly 200 migrants were rescued at sea by the various means mobilized by the regional operational surveillance and rescue center (CROSS) Gris-Nez. The first operation allowed recovery on board the tug Bee Normandy 65 people in difficulty. This same ship was sent on a second operation immediately. Arriving in contact with the migrant boat, the tugboat crew managed to rescue 28 people, the rest of the passengers, whose number was not communicated, having “refused the assistance offered by French means”. explained the maritime prefecture.
Too many risks in the event of “restrictive action”
Same scenario a little later for the National Navy building Edge, who picked up eight people and had to let the others continue on their way. On a third operation, it is the rescue ship Apollo Moon who went to meet a boat of migrants. Here again, the 31 people on board refused transshipment on theApollo Moondetermined to continue the crossing.
“Given the risks incurred by migrants in the event of restrictive actions to force them to embark on State rescue means”, it is decided in these conditions to “let them continue on their route”, deplores the maritime prefecture . During the day, 190 migrants were rescued and placed at the dock at the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer. It is unknown how many chose to continue the crossing or whether they reached their destination.
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