The Gris-Nez regional operational surveillance and rescue center had seen “several boats in difficulty” on the night of Friday to Saturday.
More than 70 migrants were rescued in the Strait of Pas-de-Calais overnight from Friday to Saturday, said the maritime prefecture of the Channel and the North Sea in a press release published on Saturday.
The Gris-Nez regional operational surveillance and rescue center had seen “several boats in difficulty”.
Supported by border police
A total of 39 castaways were taken care of by the French Navy’s public service patrol boat. 33 other castaways off Leffrinckoucke (59) were rescued. All were dropped off at the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer.
The migrants were taken care of by the border police and the departmental fire and rescue service, the statement said.
The prefect “warns anyone who plans to cross the Channel regarding the risks involved” and calls on victims or witnesses of an event occurring at sea, to contact the emergency services on 196 “or by VHF on channel 16”.
