Smugglers are testing the Belgian coast with new crossing attempts
Migrants have begun using the De Pan route to reach the United Kingdom again, after at least two attempts to cross the sea by boat have been recorded this month. No similar attempts were recorded throughout last year, making this sudden return noteworthy.
According to the Governor of West Flanders, Carl Decaluwé, this new activity comes after a year that saw a decrease in numbers due to intensive inspections against human trafficking. However, on January 16, a small boat successfully crossed from De Panne to the United Kingdom, and two days later, the police managed to thwart a similar attempt.
The governor said that this pattern indicates that traffickers may be testing the vigilance of Belgian authorities. He explained that French officials have recently noticed a decline in attempts near Calais and an increase near Dunkirk, indicating a gradual shift in activity towards the Belgian border.
Authorities see that human traffickers are constantly looking for weaknesses along the coast, and they are also developing their methods using new technologies, including what is known as 'taxi boats' to quickly transport migrants across the English Channel.
Despite the recent incidents, authorities assure that there is no immediate cause for concern. The police and border services remain on high alert, closely monitoring the Dunkirk area to prevent any new illegal crossing attempts towards the United Kingdom.