Why, after the tragedy of 39 deaths in Essex in 2019, are there still young women from Vietnam getting into the back of a lorry to cross the border? I can’t find any definitive answer.
Because all safe routes have been closed off and people are desperate? C’mon, how does a journalist who has covered these stories not know that?
I was wondering why they would call the BBC, of all places, to help get out of a truck in France, but then I realized that they probably didn’t speak French (they were, after all, being shipped to the UK). The BBC is probably the most-visible face of the UK to the rest of the world; if you wanted to call someone in Europe who speaks English, it’s probably one of the most-obvious places.
I didn’t know who the caller was, but believed he knew me from when I covered the Essex lorry deaths, as a lot of Vietnamese people approached me that time.
The caller wasn’t one of those trapped (all of whom were women). Presumably he was their emergency contact and he called everyone he could think of who might be able to help, including this journalist.
That is probably the reason. My first theory was, that they didn’t called the police, cause they was afraid of the police. So they could be sure that there will be some public interest, that forces the police to be carefull. On the other hand public interest may increase the chance not being deoported.
But your theory sounds trustworthier. Especially in such a situation, you probably don’t overthink it, but call for help.
you probably don’t overthink it, but call for help.
I’d imagine 112 would be the first place to call in that case. Surely they have someone there speaking English
What is 112? The caller was not in the lorry, and probably was not in France (assuming 112 is a French emergency number).
International emergency number, it should always connect to emergency services, even in places with a different emergency number
Thanks. I did not know it existed. And will never be able to remember it. But good to know it exists.
