Dozens of migrants were seen running into the water to board a dinghy from the French coastline early yesterday, attempting a dangerous journey across the English Channel.
Photos and video captured by the PA news agency show people sprinting through shallow water at Gravelines beach before climbing aboard an overcrowded black inflatable boat.
French authorities, patrolling offshore in an inflatable vessel, approached the dinghy and distributed lifejackets to those onboard. No police were visible on the beach as the group emerged from sand dunes and rushed to board.
PA reported seeing one boat drop off several men around 5 a.m. (0300 GMT), who then disappeared into the dunes. A second vessel later approached the shore and circled until the group reappeared.
Among the group was a family with two children. Around 40 people, believed to be half of the full group, successfully departed in the dinghy.
So far this year, more than 22,500 people have crossed the Channel to reach the UK.