Crowded Dinghies Leave Northern French Coast in Fresh Channel Crossing Attempts
Several overcrowded dinghies were seen departing Hardelot-Plage in northern France, with at least four Channel crossing attempts witnessed.
Several overcrowded dinghies carrying dozens of migrants were seen departing the northern French coast at Hardelot-Plage on Wednesday, in renewed attempts to cross the English Channel towards the United Kingdom.
At least four crossing attempts were witnessed, beginning in the early hours of the morning. Footage from the scene showed migrants packed into small boats, while others tried to reach the dinghies and some returned to shore. French gendarmes stood by and observed the departures, and French rescuers were also present at sea in small boats.
The crossings come against the backdrop of a multimillion-euro agreement signed by the UK and French governments in April 2026, aimed at reducing the number of migrants making the Channel crossing in small boats. The deal provides for increased police patrols and enhanced surveillance across northern France.
Despite those measures, small boat departures from the French coastline have continued, with Wednesday's activity at Hardelot-Plage marking the latest such attempts.