Overview
- French maritime authorities rescued 106 people after a dinghy broke down in the Channel, and a woman who lost consciousness was airlifted to hospital.
- The group was transferred to a rescue ship and taken to Calais after several people struggled to climb aboard the overloaded inflatable.
- Officials described a “taxi boat” method in which a dinghy runs along the coast to pre‑set beaches, where people wade out and board to avoid patrols.
- The rescue came days after the Home Secretary signed a three‑year deal with France that commits £662 million, with £501 million guaranteed and up to £160 million paid only if new tactics work.
- The Home Office says French officers will target and detain people on beaches, while reported details include a cap on sea interceptions for boats with fewer than 20 people and new kit such as a patrol vessel, extra officers, helicopters, drones and cameras.