An activist who put up posters warning people about danger at sea in Dunkirk for those crossing the English Channel has sparked anger.
These posters were written in many languages and advised immigrants to “stay seated” when crossing the boats, as well as to “point” to any person who falls into the water.
These posters are believed to be the work of activists for Watch The Channel. The poster has a QR code that links to its website.
Critics have condemned the posters for ‘encouraging’ migrants to make the dangerous crossing to England from France.
‘This is dangerous and irresponsible communication being given out in the camps by social media and internet-based enablers,’ Dover MP Natalie Elphicke said.
“The Channel crossings pose a danger to lives and are extremely risky.” It is best to remain safe at home in France.
An activist has caused outrage after posting’safety-at-sea’ signs (pictured) at a Dunkirk camp for migrants trying to cross into the English Channel.
Written in English, Kurdish, Farsi, French, Kurmanci, Pashto and Sorani, one of the documents was found stuck to a food truck in a camp near Dunkirk.
It advises the migrants to bring emergency foil blankets and food, as well as water and food for one-day, according to the poster. France also provides an 112 emergency number.
This guide also provides advice for migrants about how to start an engine.
The poster states, “Be Safe, Always Wear a Life-vest. Stay seated, calm, and Watch Out. It adds that if someone is in danger of falling into the sea, you should immediately point to them and continue to do so until they are safe.
The QR code on the document can be used to take those who scan the document to Watch The Channel’s website. This site features a map showing the channels.
The group is described as “A group dedicated to supporting those who have been forced to cross Channel illegally.”
Border Force vessels stop a boat that was carrying migrants and intercept it near The Port of Dover Dover, Kent. Picture date: Tuesday, January 18th 2022
We believe the freedom to travel around the world should be a basic tenet in human freedom. The group states that it is committed to supporting people exercising this right.
“We observe the conduct and misconduct of both the UK and French border control system. The Coastguards must fulfill the international maritime law’s obligations of rescuing people in distress.
The website can also be viewed on smart phones and offers more information, such as advice telling people to “be safe”.
This warns you that the UK may appear closer to France than it really is. It can take several hours to reach land by sea.
This also warns migrants against ‘big ship’ crossings, as these cause huge waves and don’t see smaller boats.
It also provides information on how users can cross the channel to share their location via WhatsApp, if they need help. Users can also practice finding their coordinates using Google Maps before setting off.
The website offers a lot of information on testing a boat’s motor. It also suggests how not to take it out of the water or what to do if you overheat it.
Chair of Migration UK, Alp Mehmet stated to The Express, “Not only is it illegal to travel across the Channel on a small boat, but the poster ignores the risks and life-threatening dangers that people are being encouraged to take.”
Pictured: A young child amongst a group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, after being rescued by the RNLI following a small boat incident in the Channel on Tuesday January 18, 2022
Pictured: Migrant women carrying children walk through Dunkirk in France to find a temporary migrant camp.
“I’m horrified that people are so confused, caught up in self-righteousness that they encourage others to get on board these tiny boats.”
Migration Watch UK reports that 946 illegal migrants crossed the Channel to England this year as of January 18. It was more than three times what it took to cross the Channel illegally in 2018 (28,401) and nearly as dangerous as the crossing made by 8,461 last year.
On January 14, it was reported that a migrant had died in the Channel, while French crews rescued another 30 people after they ran into difficulties.
He was believed to have been in his 20s, and be from Sudan. He was eventually declared dead after being found unconscious in the water.
French authorities reported that 25 people still aboard the boat were found and they were being rescued by rescue crews. Five others, however, were discovered on a nearby sandy bank.
According to Channel officials, this is the latest death. It happened after 27 migrants died in November when their boat capsized in Calais. Five girls, one young woman were among the casualties.
At least 39 people are believed to have died attempting the Channel crossing last year, according to figures from the International Organization for Migration.