A devastating boat accident in the English Channel has claimed three lives and brought 2024’s migrant crossing season to record-breaking numbers. The incident occurred near Blériot-Plage, France, at around 6am on Sunday when a crowded vessel faced trouble.
Rescue efforts were swift, with 48 people saved and 45 needing medical attention for hypothermia. Three more died after being recovered from the water by French naval helicopter. An investigation is underway, led by the Boulogne-sur-Mer prosecutor’s office.
The French maritime authorities have reported several other incidents, prompting operations to identify potential risks. The mayor of Sangatte, Guy Allemand, expressed concerns over the persistent risk of “crossing after crossing” without letup.
This latest tragedy marks at least 76 fatalities in Channel attempts so far this year, making it the deadliest on record. Last December saw a record-breaking 1,485 people attempt to cross by sea, with dozens more succeeding earlier on Sunday and arriving safely in Dover.
The recent surge in crossings calls into question UK claims of disrupting smuggling networks across Europe. Favourable winds have encouraged people seeking asylum to attempt the perilous crossing. The Pas-de-Calais authorities report that 2024 is shaping up as the deadliest year for Channel attempts since records began.
A baby died last October after an overloaded boat sank off the French coast, while six children and a pregnant woman perished in September’s worst tragedy since the small boats crisis began. Charities have warned of growing numbers attempting to cross despite cold water temperatures and poor weather conditions.
One asylum seeker said he abandoned his plans due to harsh living conditions in northern France camps. The UK government has pledged to crack down on people-smuggling gangs, with Keir Starmer calling for greater international cooperation against the threat.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/29/people-die-near-calais-attempting-to-cross-channel