Sea rescue operations to be strengthened in Channel and North Sea areas

Paris, 30 November 2022

In view of the increasing number of attempted Channel crossings to the United Kingdom on makeshift boats despite the risks involved, the Prime Minister has decided that sea rescue operations will be strengthened in the next few weeks. The arrival of colder weather actually increases the possibility of serious accidents for migrants using vessels which put them in danger on the world’s busiest shipping lane.

This strengthening of operations, which will be conducted under the responsibility of the Secretary-General for Marine Affairs, firstly involves the chartering of an additional two ships specifically for the task, with a requisition procedure envisaged so that these extra life-saving resources are made available as swiftly as possible.

Secondly, operations will see the introduction of aerial drones, which will help towards gaining a better understanding of the maritime situation in real time – particularly when several boats attempt crossings simultaneously –, always with a view to carrying out rescues.

Finally, the number of operational staff at the Gris-Nez regional monitoring and rescue centre (CROSS) will also be increased so that situations where several rescue operations are launched simultaneously can be dealt with more effectively.

The Prime Minister wants to take the opportunity to pay tribute to the commitment and professionalism of the sailors of the coastguard unit (Navy, customs, maritime affairs, maritime gendarmerie), which comes under her authority through the Secretary-General for Marine Affairs, and those of the Société nationale de sauvetage en mer [national lifeboat organization]./.