ESMP03

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Course/Position

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94 migrants rescued from three boats

On the night of July 29, the CROSS Gris-Nez was notified about the departure of several migrant boats from the coasts of Nord and Pas-de-Calais. First, a boat was reported leaving the Aa Canal in the middle of the night. The 'Minck' was deployed to monitor the boat. Once on site, the 'Minck' launched its operational drom boat (EDO). During the surveillance, several people on board the boat requested assistance. On the morning, the 'Minck's crew rescued a total of 33 people. The remaining occupants refused the offered assistance and continued on their way. On the foremidday, the rescued people were taken to the port of Calais and taken into care by the land authorities. At 3:00 a.m., another boat was reported departing from Dunkerque. The 'Abeille Normandie' was deployed by the CROSS to monitor the boat. Following an engine problem, several people from the boat requested assistance. The crew of the emergency tug launched an inflatable boat and rescued 23 people. The remaining occupants of the boat refused the offered assistance and continued on their way. All rescued people were taken to the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer. Finally, on the morning, a third boat was spotted off the coast of Le Touquet. The CROSS deployed the 'ESMP 03' for surveillance. The 'ESMP 03' reported that the boat was taking on water and began rescuing the people. The CROSS broadcast a Mayday relay and engaged a Dauphin helicopter of the Navy base in Le Touquet as well as the lifeboat 'SNS076-Président Jacques Huret' from the Boulogne-sur-Mer SNSM station. A total of 36 people were rescued, including one with minor injuries. All rescued were immediately dropped off by the 'ESMP 03' on the beach at Dannes for treatment by the firefighters. The remaining occupants of the boat refused the offered assistance and continued on their way. During other coordinated operations throughout the day, two people were also rescued by the RIB 'SNS 7-034-Notre Dame des Sables' of the Berck-sur-Mer SNSM statio and the RIB 'Ouranos' of the Calais Gendarmerie. A total of 94 people were rescued and cared for by French maritime assistance and rescue resources.