Several migrants tried to cross the English Channel from France to Britain

The sports chain Decathlon announced that it had suspended the sale of kayaks and other boats in the towns of Calais and Grande-Synthe in northern France. Several migrants tried to cross the English Channel from the area last week and their efforts apparently ended tragically. The number of people trying to get to the UK in this way has increased since the beginning of November. The decathlon confirmed that his move was related to migrants' attempts to cross the English Channel. "We strongly insist that our customers do not face risks when using our products, under any circumstances," said the chain. According to the French station BFM TV, the sale of kayaks in Calais was suspended on Friday. The chain added that it would keep life jackets and warm underwear on sale. Customers can buy kayaks and boats online. Authorities recorded several attempts last week by migrants to cross the English Channel in a kayak or other non-motorized sports boat. On Friday, they reported that three migrants had disappeared into the sea, trying to cross the strait between France and Britain on this type of vessel. However, crossing a canal on a small boat without a motor is very dangerous due to heavy sea traffic, winds, currents and low water temperature. According to experts, migrants who are not part of the smuggling network are mainly trying to do so. The number of people who want to get to Britain this way without a permit has been rising recently. Last Thursday, about 1,000 people set out on this trip, which was a record number. Last year, about 8,400 people tried to travel the whole year, this year it is over 23,000 people.