On Tuesday, at least 12 migrants died off the northern French coast in the deadliest Channel crossing incident this year. The boat carrying around 70 people ran into trouble near Wimereux, approximately five kilometers from Boulogne-sur-Mer. The French government launched a significant rescue operation involving naval vessels, helicopters, and fishing boats. So far, 53 people have been rescued, with many needing emergency medical treatment.
Details of the Disaster
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin announced the death toll on X (formerly Twitter) and confirmed that two people remain missing. According to Frédéric Cuvillier, the mayor of Boulogne-sur-Mer, the majority of those who died were from Eritrea, including three minors. The Boulogne-sur-Mer prosecutor, Guirec Le Bras, reported that of the 12 victims, ten were female, and half were minors. This disaster adds to the grim toll of 25 deaths in migrant crossings this year, a significant increase from the 12 recorded in 2023.
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Naval officer Etienne Baggio stated that the French government-operated ship, the Minck, was the first to detect the emergency and respond. The Minck’s crew, alongside other rescue teams, managed to save many from the frigid waters, but the conditions made it challenging to reach everyone in time.
Anger and Grief on Both Sides of the Channel
The tragedy sparked strong reactions from officials in both France and the United Kingdom. UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the deaths as “horrifying and deeply tragic,” condemning the smuggling networks responsible for such dangerous journeys. She criticized these criminal organizations for their disregard for human life, prioritizing profits over safety.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have recently pledged to strengthen their cooperation in tackling the increasing number of undocumented migrants attempting the perilous Channel crossing. This incident underscores the urgency of that commitment.
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The surge in Channel crossings shows no signs of abating. In the past week alone, over 2,100 migrants have attempted the dangerous journey in small, often overcrowded boats. According to recent Home Office data, many of these vessels are unseaworthy and lack sufficient safety equipment. French authorities noted that only eight of the 70 passengers aboard the ill-fated boat had life jackets.