LILLE: French security forces rescued almost 400 migrants seeking to take advantage of good weather and make the perilous crossing across the Channel to England in a weekend that also saw several fatalities, authorities in northern France said on Monday.
Crossings have been continuing in good weather conditions despite intense efforts by French and British authorities to stop the flow, including a deal involving sending some migrants who reach England back to France.
Rescue forces were deployed on Saturday and Sunday at some 24 departure points where migrants were seeking to board the boats, the regional maritime prefectures said.
On Saturday, approximately 220 people were rescued notably in Boulogne-sur-Mer, Dieppe, and Calais. Two Somali women, who had suffered cardiac arrest, died despite resuscitation attempts. Five people were slightly injured, and several suffered from hypothermia.
On Sunday, at least 176 migrants were rescued, including several injured. A teenager died after being found unconscious on Ecault beach outside Calais.
