"France will soon begin "control and intervention operations" at sea targeting the small boats, France's maritime prefecture for the Channel and the North Sea (PREMAR) told AFP, confirming information a report in Le Monde newspaper. The idea is to move in before passengers board the boats to avoid endangering their lives, a spokesperson for the maritime prefecture told AFP. In a new tactic employed in recent years, people-smugglers have sent boats to pick up migrants directly in the water to evade French shore patrols."
"After rights groups were alarmed by press reports over the possible use of nets to stop boats, the prefecture added: "The use of nets to stop the small boats is not being considered at this stage." At least 27 migrants have died this year attempting the crossing, according to an AFP tally based on official data. Since January 1st, more than 39,000 people have arrived on English shores in small boats, according to British government data."
France will begin stopping small boats at sea used to cross the Channel to southern England through "control and intervention operations" aimed at intercepting vessels before passengers board. PREMAR intends to move in early to avoid endangering lives. People-smugglers have recently used boats to collect migrants directly in the water to evade shore patrols, and migrants often pay thousands of euros each for crossings. Authorities said the use of nets to stop boats is not being considered. At least 27 migrants have died this year and over 39,000 people have arrived on English shores so far this year.
Read at The Local France
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