Decathlon removes canoes from shelves to reduce migrant Channel crossings

Sporting retailer Decathlon has pulled canoes from sale in northern France to stop migrants from using them to cross the English Channel, according to BBC News.

The company said the boats had been withdrawn from stores in Calais and Grande-Synthe, a decision which was made to due to the increase in attempts to reach the UK from migrant camps in northern France.

The Guardian reports that on Friday, three migrants were reported missing after trying to cross the Channel to Britain in canoes, while two canoes were found adrift off Calais on Thursday and two people were fished out of the water.

The Home Office says 1,185 people arrived on small boats on Thursday, a record for the current migration crisis, surpassing the previous high of 853 set earlier this month.

“The purchase of canoes will no longer be possible… given the current context,” Decathlon told the AFP news agency, confirming local media reports, adding that “people’s lives would be endangered” if they were used by those hoping to reach England.

Decathlon’s decision was first reported by the French regional newspaper La Voix du Nord says BBC News. A journalist was said to have seen migrants on several occasions buying light boats and other equipment from Decathlon in the Calais area.

Canoes will still be on sale online and in other branches.