In Pictures: Risking the Channel 'death route' to Britain

In the whole of 2019, 2,294 migrants attempted to cross the risky passage

Last updated: September 24, 2020 | 13:48

AFP and Compiled by Christian Borbon, Senior Web Editor

2 MIN READ

1/10

The number of migrants crossing the English Channel - which is 33,8 km (21 miles) at the closest point in the Straits of Dover - in small inflatable boats has spiralled over the summer of the 2020.

2/10

More and more people are attempting the risky passage. | Migrants carry a boat before embarking, on the beach of Gravelines, near Dunkirk, northern France.

3/10

Smugglers walk back after embarking migrants on a boat on the beach of Gravelines, near Dunkirk.

4/10

Just 33 kilometres (21 miles) separate the French coast from the white cliffs of Dover, visible on a clear day, but the crossing is one of the world's busiest - and most dangerous.

5/10

According to authorities in northern France, some 6,200 migrants have attempted the crossing between January 1 and August 31, 2020, compared with 2,294 migrants for the whole of 2019.

6/10

French Police patrol in the early morning on the beach of Gravelines, near Dunkirk, northern France.

7/10

A French Police officer patrol early morning the beach of Gravelines, near Dunkirk.

8/10

French Police officers patrol early morning the beach of Gravelines, near Dunkirk, northern France.

9/10

French Police officers patrol early morning the beach of Gravelines.

10/10

Smugglers walk back after embarking migrants on boat on the beach of Gravelines northern France.

Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox