A heartbreaking scene unfolded on a beach near Calais as a young family, believed to be from Eritrea, came terrifyingly close to drowning in a failed attempt to reach Britain in an overcrowded dinghy. The mum, dad, and their small children struggled through powerful currents trying to reach the boat but couldn’t make it in time, returning silently to the beach at Gravelines, around 15 miles from Calais.
Despite the near-tragedy, the family said they would try again to board what’s been dubbed a £1,200-a-head “taxi” across the Channel. Nearby, police officers stood on the shore, watching through binoculars. Some wore riot gear and carried pepper spray, but when asked why they didn’t step in as people, including children, waded into danger, one officer told The Sun: “It’s difficult.”
