Eyewitness Left in Shock After Seeing What French Police Officers Did as Illegal Migrants Boarding a Dinghy to the UK Suffered an Engine Breakdown

The incident happened on the French coast as a group of 96 migrants attempted to cross the English Channel in a small inflatable boat. The journey quickly turned into a dangerous situation when the boat’s engine failed and fell into the water.

According to an eyewitness, several French police officers were already nearby when the migrants began getting onto the boat. The witness claimed the officers watched as people boarded the dinghy and moved towards the water, but did not immediately stop them from leaving.

The situation changed when the boat developed problems. Once the engine fell into the water, the vessel could no longer continue normally. At that point, French authorities used a jetski to reach the boat and pull it back towards the French coast.

The boat was eventually taken to Boulogne-sur-Mer, where the migrants were brought ashore. However, the rescue operation became complicated because a number of people had ended up in the water. Around 30 people were reportedly left in the sea, while others had to be rescued by helicopter and lifeboat.

The eyewitness said the most surprising part was that there appeared to have been several opportunities for the authorities to intervene before the boat got into trouble. They claimed there were between five and six police officers on the beach, along with another police boat, but the migrants were still allowed to make their way towards the water.

The witness also described the behaviour of some of the migrants as unusually calm considering the risks involved. Those who could not get onto the boat reportedly walked away from the beach rather than causing a panic, apparently hoping to find another opportunity to make the crossing.

The eyewitness compared the scene to people waiting for public transport, saying it looked as though some of the migrants simply believed they could wait for another boat if they missed the first one.

The incident has led to criticism of the French authorities and questions about whether more could have been done to prevent the boat from launching in the first place. The description of French officers eventually using a jetski to tow the broken-down boat back to shore also led the witness to sarcastically compare the police to the AA, Britain’s roadside breakdown service.

The English Channel crossing is extremely dangerous, particularly when small inflatable boats are heavily overloaded. Once a boat loses its engine or begins taking on water, those on board can quickly find themselves in serious danger.

French authorities have previously used jetskis and other methods to monitor small boats and prevent migrants from leaving the French coastline. Officers can also use equipment designed to stop boats from moving further into the water.

The incident comes at a time when Britain and France are under continued pressure to reduce the number of small boats crossing the Channel. The two countries have agreed to work more closely on border security, with the UK providing significant funding to support French efforts to prevent crossings.

The British Government has also pointed to the number of crossings that have been stopped before reaching Britain. A Home Office spokesman said this particular boat was returned to the French coast and did not make it to the UK.

The incident is likely to add to the wider argument over whether stopping migrants before they enter the water is more effective than rescuing them after their boats have already broken down. It also highlights the dangers faced by people attempting the journey in overcrowded and unsuitable boats.