A devastating incident in the English Channel has claimed the lives of eight migrants attempting to cross from France to England, French authorities announced on Sunday.
This latest tragedy follows the deaths of 12 people earlier this month when their boat capsized en route to Britain, underscoring the urgent need for the British and French governments to address the surge in boat crossings.
According to Jacques Billant, Prefect of the Pas-de-Calais region, a boat carrying 59 people encountered difficulties off the coast of Ambleteuse, prompting a rescue response.
“A new drama unfolded around 1 am, resulting in the loss of eight lives,” Billant said, confirming that the deceased were men from Eritrea, Sudan, Syria, Egypt, Iran, and Afghanistan. The remaining 51 passengers are receiving medical attention.
The English Channel, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, poses significant dangers due to strong currents, making small boat crossings perilous.
This incident brings the total number of fatalities attempting to cross the Channel from France this year to 46, according to Billant.
On September 14 alone, there were eight attempted crossings, resulting in the rescue of approximately 200 migrants.
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