BBC on French Beach as Police Slash Migrant 'Taxi-Boat' Heading to UK

Unusual Police Intervention Results in Dramatic Scene

In a rare incident, French gendarmes waded into shallow waters off a beach south of Boulogne and used knives to slash an inflatable boat carrying men, women, and children. The unusual intervention, coming amid a surge of small boat migrant crossings to the UK, suggests French police may be changing their tactics under increasing pressure.

Initial Orderly Conduct Turns into a Scramble

The "taxi-boat" initially approached the shore in an orderly manner with organized groups of people holding hands and being directed by a man who appeared to be leading. However, as the inflatable boat reversed towards the shore, there was a chaotic scrum as people scrambled to climb aboard in at least waist-deep water.

Police Watch as Passengers Cling to Lifeboat

Initially, the gendarmes watched from the shore, repeating the explanation that they were barred from entering the water except to rescue people. The incident is a dramatic departure from standard procedure.