Migrant Crossings Intensify Amid Increased Dangers
Gravelines, France - A black dinghy crowded with migrants set off from a beach near Calais on Monday morning, 29 July, travelling towards the English Channel. Video footage captured the participants wading through the sea and clambering aboard the precarious inflatable vessel. Among them were men, women, and children, some donned in life jackets. A notable shout of “this is for Rishi Sunak” was heard from one of the passengers as the boat descended down a riverway in France before picking up additional people from the beach.
This incident followed a tragic attempt just a day earlier when a migrant died during the journey. The French coastguard reported rescuing 34 migrants from a heavily loaded boat that found itself in trouble overnight from July 27 to 28.
On the morning of the departure, many migrants were seen emerging from sand dunes and walking across the beach. Some adults carried youngsters on their shoulders, while other families opted to turn back from the sea. The beach was under police patrol, who appeared to communicate with the families that retreated. Volunteers from the refugee charity Utopia 56 were also present, assisting with emergencies, distributing clothes, and monitoring interactions between migrants and police officers.
Pablo Eymard-Picollec, an Utopia 56 volunteer, mentioned that families might have chosen not to board the boat due to its overcrowded condition, but exact reasons were yet to be confirmed. Another unnamed volunteer suggested increased dangers due to the militarisation of the border, which has led to larger groups attempting the treacherous crossing in fewer boats.
The rise in the number of crossings was evident as the charity patrol group observed four boats leaving the French coastline on the same morning. According to reports, more than 16,000 migrants have made the perilous journey via the English Channel this year, with 370 people arriving on Saturday alone, travelling in six different boats.
These occurrences highlight the grave circumstances faced by migrants as they risk their lives in hopes of reaching the UK.