According to a statement by the prefecture, French naval forces on Thursday rescued two people aboard two boats adrift off the port of Calais, who told them that three other people were aboard the rescued boat but had gone missing. The French Navy then launched a search operation.
"Despite the resources deployed, the 3 individuals could not be found and the search was suspended at the end of the day", the prefecture said in the statement.
The French Navy rescued over 50 people in the waters of the English Channel in several separate operations conducted on Wednesday and Thursday, according to the prefecture.
The issue of illegal migrant flows to the United Kingdom via the English Channel remains acute as the UK is one of the most popular destinations for migrants due to its perceived favourable social benefits ranging from free healthcare to a generous welfare system.