In the northern French town of Wimereux, a vehicle transporting forty migrants was stopped, and the driver was taken into police custody. After a protracted hiatus over Christmas and New Year’s, small boat channel crossings have resumed.
At 3:35 a.m. this morning, the car was stopped on the D237 road close to Wimereux, which is just north of Boulogne-sur-Mer.
The driver was placed under arrest by the police.
People smugglers have long launched boats towards Britain from the beaches near Wimereux.
Five individuals traveling to the UK perished on Saturday night near the coast of Wimereux after falling into the water during an unsuccessful crossing.
They are thought to have perished from hypothermia in the chilly water.
Following a rescue operation involving boats, a helicopter, and numerous officers, the remaining passengers on the boat were brought to safety.
A total of 182 people were rescued by the French coastguard over the course of the weekend, as calm weather encouraged smugglers to resume crossings.
Following a protracted quiet period during Christmas and New Year’s, there were no crossings.
Promotion
France has increased the number of officers and equipment stationed to keep an eye on the long stretches of coast that smugglers use. More personnel, cars, and surveillance equipment have been provided.
