France Rescues Over 150 Migrants in English Channel

French authorities reported on Thursday that over 150 migrants attempting to reach Britain were rescued from overcrowded boats in the Strait of Dover and returned to France, Arab News reported.

According to the source, two migrant vessels encountered difficulties in the English Channel, with the first boat carrying 77 people who were brought back to Calais, and the second vessel rescuing 76 people who were taken to Boulogne-sur-Mer.

These attempted Channel crossings come amid the UK’s general election campaign, where immigration is a major issue.

So far this year, over 12,300 irregular migrants have made the crossing to Britain, an 18% increase from the same period in 2023. Tragically, at least 15 migrants have died trying to reach the UK this year, exceeding the 12 deaths recorded in the entire previous year.