A tragic incident unfolded off the northern coast of France, where a small boat carrying migrants sank while attempting to cross the Channel. French authorities reported that one individual lost their life during the night due to the vessel’s difficulties.
The boat was deemed “overloaded” and sank near Boulogne-sur-Mer, as confirmed by the Maritime Prefect of the Channel and the North Sea. In a desperate rescue operation, a French Navy helicopter located an unconscious person in the water. Unfortunately, the individual was later pronounced dead by medical personnel aboard the French tug, Abeille Normandie.
Rescue efforts save over 60 migrants
Despite the tragedy, more than 60 migrants were successfully rescued from the treacherous waters. Among those saved were a mother and her child, who were promptly airlifted to a hospital for urgent medical attention in France. The Abeille Normandie played a crucial role in recovering 50 individuals, while additional assistance came from two British vessels, including a Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) craft and a UK Border Force boat, which together rescued 11 more people.
Rising migration trends in the Channel
This incident highlights an ongoing trend of migration across the Channel, which remains one of the world’s busiest waterways. In the week leading up to Saturday, authorities reported that 1,125 migrants successfully reached the UK via small boats. The surge in crossings has prompted UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to take a firm stance against people smugglers who exploit vulnerable individuals seeking refuge.
Starmer recently sparked a debate surrounding immigration by suggesting that the UK could become an “island of strangers” unless decisive action is taken to reduce immigration numbers. His remarks followed notable electoral gains by the anti-immigration Reform UK party in local elections held on 1 May, intensifying discussions around the nation’s immigration policies.
“The UK risks becoming an ‘island of strangers’ unless more is done to cut immigration numbers,” Starmer warned.