Migrants attempt to cross English Channel on a surfboard, intercepted and returned to France

Last updated on June 25th, 2020 at 01:26 pm

Using a windsurfing board as a raft and shovels as paddles, four migrants attempted to cross the English Channel. They were however returned back to France after alerting the coastguard.

These migrants were on two makeshift rafts when they were spotted by a DFDS ferry off Calais struggling to stay afloat, at 06.25 local time. Post alerting the coastguard they were sent back to France.

In another incident, three vessels with approximately 40 migrants onboard did manage to reach the UK water territory and were later transported to Dover in UK.

“We are working closely with the French government to tackle these unacceptable crossings and bring the ruthless criminals who facilitate them to justice.”

Minister for Immigration Compliance and the Courts

On Wednesday, a group of 11 men and 4 women, were intercepted by the Border Force Vessel, said the Home Office. These migrants have identified themselves as Iranian and Iraqi nationals.

Just after this incident, another vessel containing 10 men and 5 women were also intercepted 45 minutes later. These people are said to be Afghani, Syrian and Iranian nationals.

A third incident in this series, about 2 hours post the first one at 5:00 BST, a vessel with 10 men from Iran, Syria and Yemen was intercepted in UK waters.

The Home Office has said that all these migrants have been brought to Dover for further questioning, and when suitable they would be returned to France.

Chris Philp, Minister for Immigration Compliance and the Courts said that in the month of April France had stopped more than 500 migrants trying to cross the English Channel. He further said, “We are working closely with the French government to tackle these unacceptable crossings and bring the ruthless criminals who facilitate them to justice.”

Since the beginning of lockdown more than 1480 migrants have managed to reach UK crossing English Channel. In 2020 so far more than 1900 migrants have managed to cross the Channel and reach UK, authorities said.