107 Illegal Boat Migrants Rescued from Drowning in the English Channel While Crossing from France to England

French authorities rescued 107 migrants attempting to cross the English Channel from France to England on Christmas Day, December 25.

According to officials, 12 rescue missions were carried out along the northern French coast, including one involving a boat with engine problems.

In the morning, a boat near Dunkirk carrying 30 passengers was rescued. Some passengers continued their journey and were taken into British custody once they entered British waters.

Later in the day, another boat near Dunkirk with engine trouble was found, and all 51 passengers onboard were rescued. Near Calais, another rescue took place, with 26 people taken from a struggling boat.

Authorities warned that the English Channel is particularly dangerous during winter, especially for overcrowded and unsafe boats.

This year, at least 73 migrants have died attempting to cross the Channel, making 2024 the deadliest year for such crossings, according to Pas-de-Calais officials.

Tens of thousands of migrants have reached Britain despite these dangers. The British government has pledged to fight people-smuggling gangs.

In November, Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for more international cooperation, likening these gangs to a “global security threat” on par with terrorism.