THE French coastguard has defended its decision to unload some passengers from a small boat before allowing it to continue into British waters.
On Thursday, a boat was just meters from the beach when it collided with the breakwater wall, which was originally used for the evacuation of soldiers in 1940.
Several individuals were thrown overboard, while others managed to swim to the jetty.
A RIB and a lifeboat were dispatched to provide assistance, and one person was rescued from the breakwater and taken for medical treatment.
However, after providing help, the overcrowded boat was permitted to proceed to the UK, despite being in close proximity to the shore.
A report regarding the incident states: “The boat then resumed its journey and declined assistance.”
In defense of its actions, the Gris-Nez Regional Operational Surveillance and Rescue Center (CROSS), which coordinates rescues in the Channel, stated: “Determined to reach the United Kingdom, migrants attempting the crossing in unsuitable vessels often refuse assistance from French resources, accepting it only in extreme emergencies.
“Given the inherent fragility of these consistently overcrowded boats, the decision is made not to compel migrants onto state rescue vessels, thus avoiding the risk of endangering their lives in the event of a shipwreck.”
The French government is reportedly withdrawing from claims that it had committed to altering its policy of not intervening.
Rescued migrants are assisted by French authorities in DunkirkCredit: PA
Table of Contents
Defense of the Coastguard's Actions
The French coastguard has defended its decision to unload some passengers from a small boat before allowing it to continue into British waters.
Details of the Incident
On Thursday, a boat was just meters from the beach when it collided with the breakwater wall, which was originally used for the evacuation of soldiers in 1940.
Several individuals were thrown overboard, while others managed to swim to the jetty.
A RIB and a lifeboat were dispatched to provide assistance, and one person was rescued from the breakwater and taken for medical treatment.
However, after providing help, the overcrowded boat was permitted to proceed to the UK, despite being in close proximity to the shore.
A report regarding the incident states: “The boat then resumed its journey and declined assistance.”
French Government's Position
The French government is reportedly withdrawing from claims that it had committed to altering its policy of not intervening.
Rescued migrants are assisted by French authorities in DunkirkCredit: PA
Why did the French coastguard allow the boat to continue into British waters?
The coastguard stated that migrants determined to reach the UK often refuse assistance unless in extreme emergencies, and they decided not to force them onto state rescue vessels to avoid further endangering their lives.
What happened during the incident?
The boat struck a breakwater wall, leading to several passengers being thrown overboard. Rescuers were deployed, and one person was taken for medical care, but the overcrowded boat was allowed to continue its journey to the UK.
