They were
eventually picked up about seven miles off Calais by the P&O
Stena Line ferry ‘Provence’ and taken back to France.
A Dover Coastguard spokesman said it was one of the most
desperate attempts to get across the English Channel yet.
"I'd call it desperate more than dangerous," he said.
"It's unbelievable."
In April 2001 four illegal immigrants clung on to the side of a
Seafrance ferry as it crossed the English Channel.
The men, believed to be from Russia and Eastern Europe, clambered
on to the metal "bump fender", and clung on for the hour
and a half sea crossing.
To avoid being spotted in the darkness the group covered
themselves with the dinghy but was spotted just before entering the
Port of Dover.
Before the ship docked the stern door was opened to let the men
inside.
A spokeswoman for Seafrance said she believed this was the first
case of its kind where would-be immigrants had clung on to the side
of a ship.
The men were sent back to France.
