Dozens of migrants rescued as they attempt to cross the English Channel

French maritime authorities came to the aid of 47 migrants this weekend in separate incidents in the English Channel off the north coast of France. Those rescued were attempting to reach the south of England aboard several makeshift ships.

The alarm was raised on Saturday morning, when a group of migrants found themselves in difficulty off Sangatte, near the port city of Calais. As their ship began to sink, five people, including a pregnant woman, called the Regional Surveillance and Rescue Center (CROSS) for emergency help.

The five were rescued and brought to the French port of Boulogne-sur-Mer.

Another boat with 22 people on board was then spotted drifting in the English Channel, having suffered an engine failure. The occupants were taken to Dunkirk.

A third 20-passenger vessel also suffered an engine failure off Le Touquet and called for help. The CROSS intervened and drove the migrants to Boulogne, where they were taken care of by rescuers and the French border police.

All those rescued are said to be in good health.

French aid came to the aid of more than 100 migrants in difficulty in the Channel on Friday.

Authorities say the recent increase in the number of people trying to reach England by sea was prompted by the arrival of better weather.

At least 9,500 people attempted the dangerous crossing last year, according to police estimates.

Maritime traffic is extremely dense in the English Channel, the currents are strong and the water very cold. The shortest distance is 33.8 km.