An investigation has been opened in France into allegations of racist and hate-related behaviour by crew members of the vessel Ridens, which is involved in migrant rescue operations in the English Channel.
The ship, chartered by the French state for migrant assistance missions, is accused of having some crew members engage in inappropriate conduct and use racist language toward migrants.
Witness statements reportedly include phrases attributed to crew members such as: “dirty races,” “I hate all these Arabs,” and “they should all be burned with a flamethrower.”
The Maritime Prefecture of the English Channel and North Sea confirmed it has been informed of the incident and has referred the case to law enforcement authorities.
The Dunkirk Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation on charges of “public insult based on origin” and “endangering the lives of others.”
The company operating the vessel stated that an internal investigation is underway and several employees have been suspended. According to reports, at least four crew members, including a captain, have already been removed from the vessel.
