French rescuers intercept 140 migrants attempting English Channel crossing

French maritime rescue operations intercepted approximately 140 migrants attempting to cross the English Channel toward the United Kingdom. The operation began on a Friday morning after a monitoring station in Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer spotted a vessel heading toward Dieppe.

Rescuers tracked the vessel through the Pas de Calais. Near Berck-sur-Mer, approximately 40 people were monitored by lifeboats to prevent them from being stranded by the tide. Later, at another beach, 82 individuals wearing life jackets were waiting to board a small boat that already contained about 20 people. Due to deteriorating weather conditions, many waiting on the shore declined to board and were met by land-based rescue services instead.

The French maritime prefecture noted that migrants often refuse assistance unless in extreme emergencies. During the operation, one child required medical attention for hypothermia. This follows a trend of high crossing numbers; in 2025, over 41,000 migrants arrived in the UK via the Channel.