French Navy personnel involved in Channel migrant rescues are under criminal investigation for alleged racist abuse and violence after crew members were accused of suggesting migrants be “burned… with flame-throwers.” Prosecutors in northern France opened the inquiry into alleged “public insults based on origin, ethnicity, nationality, race, or region,” alongside claims that sailors endangered lives during rescue missions in the English Channel.
According to prosecutors, the probe was triggered after a French Navy whistleblower reported the conduct of four colleagues aboard the Ridens vessel during operations in August and December last year. The maritime gendarmerie for the Channel and North Sea region is currently handling the investigation.
The case emerged following a joint report by Le Monde and Lighthouse Reports, which published allegations from a female Navy member who served on two missions aboard the Ridens. Using the pseudonym “Magalie,” the sailor claimed some crew members made “openly racist” remarks in front of rescued migrants.
Magalie alleged that comments included: “They are really animals,” “they smell like p***, we should burn them all with flame-throwers,” and “they stink, all these Muslims, they should be killed, we’ll throw them away.”
The Ridens has been deployed since 2023 as part of France’s surveillance and rescue operations aimed at stopping migrants making the dangerous crossing to the UK in small boats. Based in Dunkirk, the 40-metre vessel is operated by private company SeaOwl and carries a crew of approximately 10 people.
Dunkirk prosecutor Charlotte Huet said: “The inquiry will verify the alleged facts and establish whether military prosecutors may also become involved.”
French maritime authorities confirmed “precautionary measures” had been imposed following the allegations, though officials declined to provide further details. The accusations, however, extend beyond racist language.
Magalie alleged migrants rescued at sea on a hot day were given just 33 centilitres of water over six hours, despite more than 1,200 bottles reportedly being stored onboard. According to Le Monde, she claimed crew members refused to adopt what they viewed as a “humanitarian” role.
Magalie added: “There were also fruit jellies and cereal bars supposedly in stock, but they weren’t distributed.”
The newspaper reported that three other crew members corroborated aspects of her account. Other sailors interviewed anonymously described aggressive behavior during rescues.
One member of the French Navy claimed some crew members appeared during operations “in balaclavas” and said humanitarian missions were being conducted by men who were “authentically xenophobic”.
Another sailor alleged: “They constantly look for confrontation. They shout at people, grab them and push them around. They do everything to create tension.”
The investigation has also focused on the online activity of certain crew members. According to reports, sailors aboard the Ridens openly interacted with social media posts linked to far-right figures, including Sarah Knafo of the Reconquête! party and members of France’s National Rally.
The allegations come amid continuing political tensions over illegal Channel crossings, with thousands attempting to reach Britain each year despite repeated Anglo-French agreements. French and British authorities have consistently defended their joint rescue operations in the Channel, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, arguing they are essential to prevent further loss of life.
