Eight people have tragically died while attempting to cross the English Channel from northern France to England, according to French authorities.
The incident occurred shortly after 1:00 AM local time on Sunday, when a rubber boat carrying around 60 migrants from countries including Eritrea, Sudan, Syria, and Iran encountered difficulties near the coastal town of Ambleteuse, in the Pas-de-Calais region.
French rescue teams were alerted but were unable to assist the vessel from the sea. The boat was driven onto rocks, where it broke apart. Despite efforts from emergency services, eight people were confirmed dead, while 53 survivors received medical care, including six individuals who were taken to hospital. Among those hospitalized was a 10-month-old baby suffering from hypothermia.
The tragic event follows the deadliest incident this year, in which 12 migrants, including children, lost their lives when a boat capsized in the Channel less than two weeks ago. These fatalities bring the total number of migrant deaths in the Channel to 45 for this year alone, according to the International Organization for Migration.
An investigation has been opened by the Boulogne-sur-mer public prosecutor’s office to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. French authorities continue to patrol the area, warning of the significant risks involved in crossing the Channel in small, overcrowded boats.
The Channel has become a perilous route for migrants fleeing conflict and poverty, with more than 23,000 people making the dangerous journey this year despite the strong currents and harsh conditions. Over the weekend, calmer weather led to an increase in attempts, with 801 migrants successfully crossing on Saturday, the second-highest daily total for 2023.
In response to the ongoing crisis, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed sorrow over the loss of life and reiterated the UK government’s commitment to working with European partners to dismantle the criminal smuggling networks behind these crossings. Amnesty International and the Refugee Council urged governments to provide safer legal routes for asylum seekers.
“Yet another appalling and avoidable tragedy,” he called the incident.
BBC, the Associated Press, and Deutsche Welle contributed to this report.
