French officials have made their first interception on the water as part of a new policy aimed at stopping small boats carrying illegal migrants to the UK.
A so-called 'taxi-boat' was boarded by French officers on Saturday on the Aa canal in Gravelines, which is on the Channel coast above Calais.
This operation follows a shift in tactics agreed upon in November after increased pressure from the UK government for enhanced intervention efforts.
Images from the operation show individuals suspected of being involved in people-smuggling aboard an inflatable dinghy, with police forces present alongside to secure the boat and its occupants.
The French maritime prefecture has remained tight-lipped, citing an 'ongoing judicial investigation' related to the interception.
The change in strategy was finalized during a summit in the UK last July between French President Emmanuel Macron and British political leaders, allowing interventions at sea targeting specifically the 'taxi-boats'.
Before this, French police primarily intervened on land before boats were launched from beaches, which led to an increase in the use of 'taxi-boats' that evade such interventions.
Despite concerns about the dangers and legal implications of these operations, recent developments suggest these issues have been addressed. The new guidelines permit officers to act against taxi-boats suspected of preparing to pick up migrants without risking casualties.
The inflatable targeted on Saturday was en route to pick up migrants when police intervened, marking a significant move in France's strategy to reduce migrant crossings to the UK.
