PARIS (AP) – French authorities announced the discovery of bodies on a beach utilized as one of the launch points for dangerous sea crossings from northern France to the UK using a fluffy inflatable boat.
An intersection attempt has seen a spike in fatalities. The prefecture of the Pas-de-Calais region reported that two women lost their lives on Saturday. Additionally, the body of a young man was located on a long sandy beach south of the port town of Boulogne-sur-Mer on Sunday morning, suggesting that the migrants attempting to cross overnight were “very likely” involved.
Less than 48 hours after Friday night, authorities reported 41 crossing attempts, some thwarted along the Pas-de-Calais coastline, which is under constant surveillance day and night, according to a statement from the province.
“There has been a significant increase in coastal pressures, and law enforcement has intervened under particularly difficult circumstances, while we have noted that hostility and sometimes violence from migrants will be met with firmness,” the statement indicated.
However, French police have been previously seen using a method described as slash and sink to incapacitate inflatable boats used by migrants with minimal resistance.
The two women who perished Saturday morning were found in cardiac arrest following an unsuccessful crossing attempt in a boat that drifted after its engines failed to start, the Pas-de-Calais District reported. Rescuers stated that attempts to revive them were unsuccessful.
Source: apnews.com