French authorities say they rescued 107 migrants from the English Channel who had been trying to reach Britain from France on Wednesday.
During Christmas Day, a total of 12 rescue operations were carried out off the northern coast of France, says the French Maritime Authority in its statement.
For example, a total of 81 migrants were rescued from distress at sea near Dunkirk.
The English Channel is a particularly dangerous area in the middle of winter, especially for overloaded and uncertain ships, the statement emphasizes.
According to authorities in the Pas-de-Calais region, at least 73 migrants have died in the past year trying to cross the Channel from France to Britain.
Source: AFP