Is Calais safe !!!! Warning not good reading

oldgeezer
oldgeezer Forum Participant Posts: 7

Frightningly there has been news suppression on events around the tunnel over the past few days running up to the referendum ( funny that ! )

However this is a sobering story from a poster on another forum !

Posted 21 June 2016 - 11:44 AM

Hi, Just back from a couple weeks abroad, and because of traffic, I ended up reaching Calais in the early hours.  Left the motorway and set off up the 3 or 4 mile road to the ferry port.  Pitch dark.  I passed a car in the barrier, with police in attendance.
 The police directed me past the car, and I noticed there were branches underneath the car.  I travelled on down the road a mile, and found that the dual carriageway was completely blocked with branches, 3 foot high.  As I stopped, 15 guys came out from behind
the trees, with wooden batons tapping them on the ground menacingly.  I was terrified. In panic I slammed into reverse and duly jackknifed the caravan into the barrier.  They swarmed around my car and made signs through the window that I was to stay quiet
or my throat would be slit. After a couple of minutes a lorry arrived and they were on it in a shot.  The smashed at the windscreen and tried to get the driver door open.  the driver sounded the horn to attract the police further up the road, and I decided
I would do the same.  At that point the migrants came back to my car, smashed my wing mirrors in and signalled for me to be quiet (which I did).  After another 2 minutes the French police arrived (7 of them against 15 migrants!) and the migrants disappeared.
 I drove on to the ferry.  Nightmare.  Are people aware that this is happening??  Why is it not publicised?  If you are travelling to Calais or Dunkirk, I would recommend you only travel during the day, at peak times.  that was the most terrifying event of
my life.

Just be warned ! we have travelled regular for 25 years no problem but we had a close encounter last year & called it a day using the tunnel.

This is some of the latest news from around the tunnel.This was suppressed last week including all the actions of HM Coastgaurd that had been draughted in for extra duty

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3178274/ANOTHER-1-500-migrants-storm-Channel-Tunnel-including-one-dead-hit-truck-calls-ARMY-drafted-search-vehicles-stowaways.html


Comments

  • Fozzie
    Fozzie Club Member Posts: 551
    500 Comments
    edited June 2016 #2

    Well, I have just returned today (27th) on the 11.35 sailing and no problems at all.Observed french police  at the start of the ferry port approach road and just drove through with no problems.

    But this was a day  sailing.

    Did get caravan searched though when just through french passport control.

  • ValDa
    ValDa Forum Participant Posts: 3,004 ✭✭
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    edited June 2016 #3

    We came back through Calais on the 2nd June (a day sailing again) and saw no problems - apart from more security checks (every vehicle, including our top box), higher and doubled up fences rather than those shown in the photographs, and dog patrols checking
    all vehicles in the lanes for the ferry.

    Yes, we all need to be vigilant, and there is no doubt the incident described would be frightening, so we all need to work out a strategy to deal with any incidents, but the Daily Mail is not the most truthful of newspapers unfortunately and can be prone
    to exaggeration!

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2016 #4

    We came back through Calais on the 2nd June (a day sailing again) and saw no problems - apart from more security checks (every vehicle, including our top box), higher and doubled up fences rather than those shown in the photographs, and dog patrols checking
    all vehicles in the lanes for the ferry.

    Yes, we all need to be vigilant, and there is no doubt the incident described would be frightening, so we all need to work out a strategy to deal with any incidents, but the Daily Mail is not the most truthful of newspapers unfortunately and can be prone
    to exaggeration!

    ..As is most media not just the mail ,until the real facts come to light after the media frenzy has died down

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,872 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2016 #5

    Those trying to get into the UK illeagally it is a well known fact that they operate under the cover of darkness. This has been publicised for the last few years so it is well known. I would suggest anyone returning to the UK via a ferry late at night is
    taking an avoidable risk. (The Tunnel might be a different matter) Those of us that have crossed in daylight rarely see any manifestation of the problem except perhaps the extra security fencing. 

    David

  • Olliedays
    Olliedays Forum Participant Posts: 29
    edited June 2016 #6

    The daily mail story, and I suspect the post, are over a year old. Both intended to stir hate.  Take care but ignore these sensationalist 'news' items as they just don't portray reality.

  • alfie67
    alfie67 Forum Participant Posts: 14
    edited June 2016 #7

    We came back via Eurotunnel,early evening on Sunday 19th of June And we didn't see a single migrant,  There were horrendous queues though leading from the slip road to Eurotunnel.  

    We do try to travel home on a Sunday as there are no lorries on the roads we tend to find there are no migrants.  We felt very safe As we had no problems.

  • DJG
    DJG Forum Participant Posts: 277
    edited June 2016 #8

    Please remember that these poor migrants are trying to flee a terrible country, to the land of milk and honey, Oh! wait they are in France!!!. It is only us caravaners that see France as a nice place to go on holiday. There must be something that no one
    can see going on in France to justify the kind of behavure we see at Calais. Remember they are coming to live in a village near you.

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,392 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2016 #9

    Those trying to get into the UK illeagally it is a well known fact that they operate under the cover of darkness. This has been publicised for the last few years so it is well known. I would suggest anyone returning to the UK via a ferry late at night is taking an avoidable risk. (The Tunnel might be a different matter) Those of us that have crossed in daylight rarely see any manifestation of the problem except perhaps the extra security fencing. 

    David

    My thoughts and experience exactly.

    peedee

  • EJB986
    EJB986 Forum Participant Posts: 1,153
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    edited June 2016 #10

    Would like to see the pictures of the damage to the car and caravan.......not on this forum of course!

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited June 2016 #11
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • Oneputt
    Oneputt Club Member Posts: 9,145 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2016 #12

    When the Mayor of Calais gets her feet on the ground again I just might use Calais again. Until that happens I am happy to drive back to any of the other west coast ports of France, Belguim or HollandCool

  • Kennine
    Kennine Forum Participant Posts: 3,472
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2016 #13

    Daily Mail as a source,draw your own conclusions. 

    Write your comments here...But on the other hand, The Guardian would have most likely reported the story as "British caravanner attacks a group of poor innocent refugees in Calais"

    I know which version has more credability !!!

    Cool

  • SteveL
    SteveL Club Member Posts: 12,311 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2016 #14

    A very similar report was in yesterday's Express. However, with some slight variations. In their version, as the migrants appeared from behind the barrier he tried to drive through them but failed. Nothing about reversing into the barrier. It does make you
    wonder where these stories come from. However, as I am free to choose, until the current situation improves Calais will not be getting any of my business. If they loose enough trade, they might just start throwing enough resources at the problem.

  • Fozzie
    Fozzie Club Member Posts: 551
    500 Comments
    edited June 2016 #15

    A very similar report was in yesterday's Express. However, with some slight variations. In their version, as the migrants appeared from behind the barrier he tried to drive through them but failed. Nothing about reversing into the barrier. It does make you
    wonder where these stories come from. However, as I am free to choose, until the current situation improves Calais will not be getting any of my business. If they loose enough trade, they might just start throwing enough resources at the problem.

    Write your comments here no quiet sure when you say resources because as we speak now a second layer of security fencing is being completed with razor wire and a noticeable police presence is on the 3 or 4 mile approach road.Seeing it first hand gives the
    size of the problem they face.

    Where I have concerns now if "their" problem becomes ours now.

  • ValDa
    ValDa Forum Participant Posts: 3,004 ✭✭
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    edited June 2016 #16

    A very similar report was in yesterday's Express. However, with some slight variations. In their version, as the migrants appeared from behind the barrier he tried to drive through them but failed. Nothing about reversing into the barrier. It does make you
    wonder where these stories come from. However, as I am free to choose, until the current situation improves Calais will not be getting any of my business. If they loose enough trade, they might just start throwing enough resources at the problem.

    Write your comments here no quiet sure when you say resources because as we speak now a second layer of security fencing is being completed with razor wire and a noticeable police presence is on the 3 or 4 mile approach road.Seeing it first hand gives the
    size of the problem they face.

    Where I have concerns now if "their" problem becomes ours now.

    Yes, if the French throw enough 'resources' at 'the problem' they might just ship them all to Kent!

  • Oneputt
    Oneputt Club Member Posts: 9,145 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2016 #17

    A very similar report was in yesterday's Express. However, with some slight variations. In their version, as the migrants appeared from behind the barrier he tried to drive through them but failed. Nothing about reversing into the barrier. It does make you
    wonder where these stories come from. However, as I am free to choose, until the current situation improves Calais will not be getting any of my business. If they loose enough trade, they might just start throwing enough resources at the problem.

    Write your comments here no quiet sure when you say resources because as we speak now a second layer of security fencing is being completed with razor wire and a noticeable police presence is on the 3 or 4 mile approach road.Seeing it first hand gives the
    size of the problem they face.

    Where I have concerns now if "their" problem becomes ours now.

    Yes, if the French throw enough 'resources' at 'the problem' they might just ship them all to Kent!

    And 12.5 million Brits might decide that holidaying in France is no longer what they want to do.  

  • dennisd
    dennisd Forum Participant Posts: 157
    edited June 2016 #18

    A 3ft barrier of branches completly blocking both carriageways?  that would take some time and effort,   a gang trying to sneak into the UK smashing up a car and a lorry in order to get a lift? how does that help them? There are more holes in this tale than
    a collander.

  • ValDa
    ValDa Forum Participant Posts: 3,004 ✭✭
    500 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited June 2016 #19

    A very similar report was in yesterday's Express. However, with some slight variations. In their version, as the migrants appeared from behind the barrier he tried to drive through them but failed. Nothing about reversing into the barrier. It does make you
    wonder where these stories come from. However, as I am free to choose, until the current situation improves Calais will not be getting any of my business. If they loose enough trade, they might just start throwing enough resources at the problem.

    Write your comments here no quiet sure when you say resources because as we speak now a second layer of security fencing is being completed with razor wire and a noticeable police presence is on the 3 or 4 mile approach road.Seeing it first hand gives the
    size of the problem they face.

    Where I have concerns now if "their" problem becomes ours now.

    Yes, if the French throw enough 'resources' at 'the problem' they might just ship them all to Kent!

    And 12.5 million Brits might decide that holidaying in France is no longer what they want to do.  

    Or can't afford it any more!

  • Natasha2
    Natasha2 Forum Participant Posts: 306
    100 Comments
    edited June 2016 #20

    Or can't afford it any more!

    Yes i should have loaded my 'Euros' travel cash card up before the referendum!!

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited June 2016 #21
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • hitchglitch
    hitchglitch Forum Participant Posts: 3,007
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2016 #22

    Came back on the Tunnel mid morning on Sunday. No migrants, no delays (except on the M25 of course!). 

  • VonRyan
    VonRyan Forum Participant Posts: 5
    edited June 2016 #23

    Well old geezer this must have been terrifying for you but I must say we came over to France on the 16th June and are still here but apart from the lengthy security checks we had no issues. I would say to anyone coming over or returning to the UK be vigilant
    and don't park up in a vulnerable spot but seek a secure haven where everyone else is as safety in numbers for me us paramount. I hope you quickly get over your horrendous ordeal Old geezer and hope it has not put you off venturing into France in the future!

     

     

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,872 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2016 #24

    Well old geezer this must have been terrifying for you but I must say we came over to France on the 16th June and are still here but apart from the lengthy security checks we had no issues. I would say to anyone coming over or returning to the UK be vigilant
    and don't park up in a vulnerable spot but seek a secure haven where everyone else is as safety in numbers for me us paramount. I hope you quickly get over your horrendous ordeal Old geezer and hope it has not put you off venturing into France in the future!

     

     

    The OP copied it from another forum, don't think it happened to him.

    David

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited June 2016 #25
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • NutsyH
    NutsyH Forum Participant Posts: 534
    edited June 2016 #26

    I know that a number of expensive sports cars (Aston Martin and Porsche to name 2) were badly damaged approaching Calais on the way back from Le Mans last week, by people chucking lumps of concrete from the bridges over the autoroute.  Lucky that none went
    through the windscreens.