AX DFP1

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153 migrants rescued in Strait of Pas-de-Calais

On Sep 10, 2023, the CROSS Gris-Nez was informed that various migrant boats were in difficulty in the Strait of Pas de Calais. At the end of the night, a migrant boat was reported in difficulty off Berk. Calls from the boat indicated that several people are in the water. The CROSS Gris-Nez deployed the patrol boat 'DFP 1' and the 'Jacques Oudart Fourmentin' to intervene. Upon arriving on site, the navy vessel noted that the boat had an engine failure, that it was overloaded with 81 people on board and that one person had fallen into the water. The crew quickly used their RIB to rescue the person who had fallen into the water and take the others on board. After rescuing the 81 castaways, including eight women and 10 children, the ship headed to the port of Boulogne-sur-Merm where the castaways were taken care of at the quay. In the middle of the afternoon, another overloaded boat was reported off the coast of Gravelines, being in difficulty. The CROSS requested a private vessel in the area to check the condition of the migrant boat and deployed the 'Esvagt Charlie'' to assist. The boat had 72 people on board, and the transom was not in good condition, causing water to enter. The 'Esvagt Charlie' rescued all 72 people, including 17 children and 14 women. A pregnant woman, whjo was among the castaways, was taken care of on board and a telephone conversation was provided with a doctor to check her state of health. All the castaways were dropped off at the port of Calais in the evening.