France says cargo of 42 migrants rescued in English Channel

Dinghies used by migrants in an attempt to cross the English Channel are seen at the French Gendarmerie brigade in Marquise, France, August 20, 2020. Picture taken August 20, 2020. REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol/File Photo

PARIS, July 23 (Reuters) – French authorities said on Friday they had rescued a shipment of 42 migrants in the English Channel after their boat ran into difficulty.

The rescuers were alerted by the migrants and a rescue vessel picked them up at sea off Pas-de-Calais, according to a press release from the French police.

They were taken to the nearby port of Boulogne-sur-Mer, and all are in good health, the statement said.

Every year, thousands of migrants attempt the dangerous sea crossing from France to the British coast, often paying smugglers to help them cross one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes in overloaded dinghies.

Britain has repeatedly urged the government of French President Emmanuel Macron to do more to stop migrants leaving France.

Reporting by Christian Lowe; Editing by Giles Elgood

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