LILLE, France, Dec 26, 2024 (V7N) - French authorities rescued 107 migrants on Christmas Day who were attempting the perilous journey across the English Channel to England. The rescues occurred during 12 operations along the northern coast of France, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with these crossings, especially during the harsh winter season.

One operation near Dunkirk involved a boat with engine trouble. Thirty passengers were rescued, while others opted to continue their journey and were handed over to British authorities upon reaching British waters. Later, another boat near Dunkirk, also with engine issues, required the rescue of all 51 passengers onboard.

Further along the coast, 26 migrants were saved from a boat in distress near Calais, underscoring the challenges and dangers of navigating the busy and hazardous Channel.

The French Channel and North Sea maritime prefecture emphasized the extreme risks posed by the crossings, particularly in overcrowded and precarious vessels during winter.

This year has seen a tragic toll on migrant lives, with at least 73 fatalities recorded during Channel crossings, making 2024 the deadliest year on record for such attempts, according to Pas-de-Calais authorities. Despite the dangers, tens of thousands of migrants have successfully reached Britain.

In response to the ongoing crisis, the British government has pledged to intensify efforts to combat people-smuggling gangs that facilitate these dangerous journeys. In November, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for enhanced international collaboration to tackle what he described as a "global security threat similar to terrorism."

The Channel remains a key focus of both French and British authorities as they grapple with the humanitarian and security challenges posed by these crossings.

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