40 Refugees Including Several Iranians Rescued from English Channel

Around 40 refugees were rescued in the English Channel on Christmas Day. British authorities said these refugees included Iranians. Over the past few months, dozens of Iranian refugees have reached British shores through this channel.

British and French authorities said that on the morning of Tuesday, December 25, a total of 40 refugees, including several children, were rescued during several separate operations in the English Channel. These refugees were aboard five boats and, according to British authorities, are nationals of three countries: Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan.

Eight of these refugees, including two children, were rescued by French Navy personnel after their boat’s engine malfunctioned 20 kilometers off the port of Calais. France handed over these refugees to Britain.

All rescued refugees, according to British authorities, were transferred to the immigration office following initial medical treatment. Children were also handed over to youth support organizations.

In recent years, thousands of refugees have attempted to reach Britain through France. Two years ago, French authorities closed a refugee camp in the port of Calais, which was known as the “Jungle.” At least 6,000 refugees were living in this camp. Since then, France has been working to prevent the formation of small refugee camps.

In recent months, several refugees reportedly of Iranian nationality have been rescued by British forces in the English Channel. According to Reuters, in November of this year, around 100 refugees, most of whom identified themselves as Iranian nationals, reached British shores through the English Channel.

The English Channel is located north of France and south of England and is considered one of Britain’s busiest shipping routes.

Source: DW