Over 100 migrants rescued by French coastguard after attempted English Channel crossing

WorldPolitics
28 Apr 2026 • 1:48 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Over 100 migrants rescued by French coastguard after attempted English Channel crossing

  • The French coastguard rescued 106 migrants from a “taxi boat” in the English Channel after it broke down during an attempted crossing on Sunday morning.
  • Several individuals faced difficulties during the incident, including a woman who lost consciousness and required evacuation by helicopter.
  • A total of 119 people were taken to safety during three separate rescue operations along France's northern coastline on Saturday, underscoring the continued risks of Channel crossings.
  • These rescues occurred shortly after Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood signed a three-year agreement with France, committing £662 million to support beach patrols aimed at reducing migrant arrivals.
  • Government figures indicate that over 6,000 migrants have arrived in the UK this year, representing a 36 per cent decrease compared to the same period last year.

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