The Spanish ship "Duque de Ahumada", belonging to the Guardia Civil, began operations this week off the French coast in the English Channel. This action marks the first time that Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, has deployed a patrol ship to this region.
The ship is operating in coordination with a Frontex surveillance aircraft, which is also participating in monitoring and border control operations in the area. This cooperation between the Spanish boat and the European agency aircraft aims to reinforce surveillance in what is one of the busiest migratory routes in Europe.
The operation in the English Channel comes in a context of growing migratory pressure in the region, where thousands of people attempt to cross annually from France to the United Kingdom. The presence of the "Duque de Ahumada" represents a significant reinforcement of the resources available to face this challenge.
