The French sportswear company Decathlon has stopped selling canoes and other small boats at four of its stores in the north of France, near the English Channel, so that migrants can not buy them and try to cross the sea to reach Britain.
The company’s decision was made after a large increase in the number of immigrants trying to make this dangerous voyage from France to Britain this month.
Decathlon has announced that it is withdrawing all canoes and inflatable boats from its stores in Calais, Grand Saints, Boulogne-sur-Mer and Le Touquet. These cities are departure points for immigrants.
“We are committed to never endangering our customers by using our products, regardless of circumstances,” the company said in a statement.
Rescue equipment, such as life jackets, will continue to be available at all Decathlon stores.
Hundreds of migrants took advantage of the good sea conditions in November and attempted to cross into Britain, often in inflatable boats, but also by jet ski or canoe.
The French navy announced on Tuesday that it had rescued 272 people in the Channel last night.
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