Five migrants died while attempting to cross the English Channel in French waters early Sunday morning, as reported by a French maritime official. The incident occurred when a small boat carrying around 70 people overturned while attempting to launch from a beach near Wimereux, to the south of Calais.
The Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, expressed his heartbreak over the tragedy, as one person remains in critical condition and one suffered non-life threatening injuries. An investigation has been launched into “aggravated manslaughter”.
According to Jacques Billant, prefect of the Pas-de-Calais region, criminal networks are endangering migrants, and post-mortem examinations will determine the cause of death, which may be due to drowning or thermal shock. Unfortunately, the boat departed for England at around 02:00 local time, and people immediately encountered difficulties.
The Refugee Council’s chief executive, Enver Solomon, emphasized the need for decisive action to provide safe routes for migrants fleeing war-torn countries. The incident comes after a nearly four-week period with no crossings to the UK recorded, though last year marked the second highest annual number of crossings on record.
The tragic event has sparked debate within the UK government about the passage of the Rwanda bill, which aims to discourage migrants from attempting to cross the Channel in small boats. However, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer rejected this approach, instead advocating for targeting the criminal gangs facilitating the dangerous journey.
The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing migrant crisis and the challenges faced by individuals seeking safety and refuge. Despite efforts to prevent such tragedies, additional measures and support for migrants are needed to ensure their safety and well-being.
Read More Breaking News
