Migrants Reach Britain In Stolen French Fishing Boat
Sumaira FH Published November 13, 2018 | 08:09 PM
Twelve migrants have managed to reach the English coast after crossing the Channel in a stolen French fishing boat, using what authorities said Tuesday was a "unprecedented" means of getting to Britain.
French agents monitoring the coastline alerted their British counterparts after seeing a boat that was taking a "bizarre" route between 9.30pm and midnight on Monday, said Ingrid Parrot, spokeswoman for maritime authorities in northern France.
Officials identified the 12-metre (40-feet) boat and contacted its owner, who said the vessel had been stolen from the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer.
Agents from Britain's Border Force intercepted the migrants on land around 1am after they crossed in calm waters, according to French authorities.
"It's an unprecedented method," Parrot said, noting that previous migrants had previously used rafts or small sailboats unfit for Channel crossings.
Britain's coastguard confirmed it had assisted the Border Force but British authorities had yet to confirm details of the incident, including the nationality of the migrants or where they had landed.
French police are investigating the theft of the boat.
French authorities intercepted migrants in the English Channel 23 times in 2016 and 12 times in 2017.
So far this year French maritime officials have again launched 23 operations, either to rescue migrants in the Channel or to stop groups about to set sail.
Many of the African and Asian migrants who travel to France in the hope of reaching Britain continue to attempt to stow away on trucks crossing the Channel at Calais and other ports.
Last month, French authorities cleared 1,800 people, most of them Iraqi Kurds, from a makeshift camp near the port of Dunkirk.
Recent Stories
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 26 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 26 April 2024
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable ..
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
Nasreen Noori’s book ‘Popatan Jahra Khwab’ launched
Wafaqi Mohtasib inspection team visits Excise and taxation office
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil ..
Pak-US officials engage to enhance trade, investment ties
More Stories From World
-
Famine-threatened Sudan's 'race against time' to plant crops
9 minutes ago -
Microsoft, Google earnings shine as AI drives revenue
29 minutes ago -
Man City crush Brighton to close gap on Arsenal in title race
29 minutes ago -
Atletico face Bilbao challenge in Champions League race
39 minutes ago -
Man City in title groove as Arsenal face Spurs test
39 minutes ago -
Japan anime studio draws on talent of autistic artists
59 minutes ago
-
Pakistan needs strong defence in view of its location in 'rough' neighbourhood: Masood Khan
59 minutes ago -
Bangladesh children sweat at home as heatwave shuts schools
1 hour ago -
Iconic shared Olympic gold moment will not be repeated, says Barshim
1 hour ago -
Bangladesh children sweat at home as heatwave shuts schools
2 hours ago -
Pakistani 'Blue Helmets' serving UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo set to leave after 20 years of ..
2 hours ago -
Golf: PGA Zurich Classic of New Orleans scores
2 hours ago