120 Migrants Rescued During Dangerous English Channel Crossings

French authorities saved migrants from four boats after engine failures, highlighting a deadly year for Channel crossings.

French maritime authorities rescued 120 migrants attempting to cross the English Channel on December 12, 2024, including 64 from a single overcrowded boat.
The rescues involved four separate boats, with two experiencing engine failures near Gravelines and Grand-Fort-Philippe in northern France.
This follows a week of strong winds that temporarily halted crossings, during which no small boats reached the UK.
Since January, over 34,000 migrants have successfully crossed the Channel, but at least 73 have died in 2024, making it the deadliest year since the phenomenon began in 2018.
Interior ministers from five European nations recently committed to enhanced cooperation against smuggling networks, including targeting funding, equipment supply, and social media recruitment.