Lille: French authorities say that more than 150 migrants trying to reach Britain have been rescued from the merciless waves of the sea.
According to authorities, the migrants were trying to cross the English Channel in two different boats, which have been rescued near the Dover Strait.
The Premier Maritime Authority said the first boat left the Gravelines area near Dunkirk and called for help after a few hours at sea, with rescuers bringing 77 people safely to Calais.
The second boat, carrying 76 migrants, was rescued from the waves and brought to the French port of Holguin-sur-Mer.
The attempts to cross the Channel come at a time when political parties in Britain are campaigning for a general election on July 4 in which immigration is a key issue.
The British government says more than 880 illegal immigrants crossed the Channel by small boats earlier this month, the highest number in a single day so far this year.
The British Home Office says that 12,313 people have entered the UK illegally so far this year, which is 18% more than the same period last year.
At least 15 migrants have died trying to cross the Channel so far this year, according to official figures, up from the 12 migrants who died last year
