Dozens of migrants attempting to cross the English Channel to the United Kingdom with the help of smugglers were stopped by French police on a beach south of Boulogne. According to the BBC, the smugglers were using an inflatable boat to pick up people from different points along the coast.

Two large groups of migrants, many wearing life jackets, emerged from nearby sand dunes and rushed toward the sea to board the vessel. It is estimated that around 80 to 100 people were gathered on the beach. The first smuggling boat, already full, was about 100 meters offshore and did not stop to take on more passengers. A second, nearly empty dinghy arrived shortly after, monitored by a French coastguard vessel positioned further out to sea.

The migrants, holding hands, made their way toward the boat, guided by a man coordinating the operation. As the inflatable turned and reversed closer to shore, dozens of people waded waist-deep into the water, trying to board. Initially, the police refused to intervene and remained on the beach, observing the scene. A police officer told the BBC that they are not allowed to enter the water unless a rescue is required.

However, the situation escalated when the overcrowded dinghy—carrying men, women, and children—began to rock dangerously due to the waves, and its engine malfunctioned.

One officer instructed his colleagues to enter the water, as those on board were now in danger. Removing their heavy gear, they used knives to puncture the dinghy, while the smugglers tried to restart the engine. Amid shouts and protests, the passengers disembarked safely, with no injuries reported.

Shortly afterward, the police dragged the deflated boat onto the shore. The migrants gathered their belongings left on the beach and began moving inland, heading back toward accommodation facilities further north.

French authorities emphasized that their policy remains unchanged and that their approach to preventing illegal crossings has not shifted, despite pressure from the UK to adopt stricter measures.

A spokesperson for the British Prime Minister called the destruction of the dinghy a “significant moment” and said the UK government welcomed the action.