Migrants Risk Lives on Dangerous Channel Crossing Hours After Deadly Disaster
Despite a recent tragedy where 27 migrants drowned at sea, desperate crossings continue under cover of darkness. Two dinghies set off from Gravelines, France, in the early hours of Saturday, packed with around 50 migrants each.
High-Stakes Rescue Operation Underway
The French and UK coastguards quickly tracked the vessels. A French warship initially involved has now left the scene, leaving the UK Coastguard’s Spotter plane from Doncaster to monitor the situation. Rescue efforts are being coordinated from dover/" title="Dover" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Dover, with Border Force and the RNLI Dover Lifeboat joining the operation.
At 4.30am, the RNLI lifeboat had already rescued 61 migrants and was heading to another sighting of 28 people onboard a different boat. By 5.30am, two more vessels full of migrants were spotted just miles from where the deadly tragedy happened.
Challenging Conditions Hamper Rescue
Multiple 999 calls flooded the UK Coastguard operations centre as those on board flashed torches to signal passing boats near busy shipping lanes. However, fog and poor visibility are making it harder for rescue teams to reach the migrants quickly.
French Warship Pulls Out, Leaving Single Lifeboat to Battle the Elements
The French warship Notre Dame du Risban has now disappeared from the area, leaving the RNLI Dover Lifeboat as the sole responder in rough conditions. The desperate gamble to brave the Channel continues despite the deadly risks.
More updates to follow.
