MIGRANTS joined hands as they made their way to a small boat off the French coast — only to return wrapped in foil blankets after it collapsed in the Channel.
All 94 people fell into the water as the vessel fell apart four nautical miles out to sea yesterday, prompting maritime officials to broadcast a mayday message.
French rescue boat The Minck was dispatched to help and was joined by other navy and coastguard vessels.
Maritime officials in Dover also sent an aircraft, which joined the operation near Dunkirk alongside a French navy helicopter.
Officials in France said the boat was one of several launched to try to get to Britain.
They added: “The Minck, assisted by other resources on site, rescued all those in the water and brought them on board for medical care.
“Ninety-four people were rescued, including three suffering from hypothermia.
“The survivors were disembarked in Dunkirk for care by state services on land.”
The crossings came after a two-week hiatus during which no migrant boats had crossed the Channel, although the Home Office has not yet released figures for Wednesday.
Up to November 4, a total of 36,954 people had made their way from France to Britain in a small boat so far this year.
The figure represents an 18 per cent increase on the same point in 2024, and 38 per cent up on 2023, but is seven per cent less than in 2022.
