At least 12 people have died and more than 50 have been rescued following the capsizing of a migrant boat in the English Channel off the French coast. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin reported that two individuals remain missing, and a major search and rescue operation is ongoing.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Darmanin described the incident as a “terrible shipwreck” and provided the provisional toll: 12 dead, two missing, and several injured. Emergency services are working tirelessly to locate those still unaccounted for and to assist the victims.
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The boat capsized near Wimereux in Pas-de-Calais, marking the deadliest disaster in the Channel this year, which is known as one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. According to the BBC, over 20,000 people have attempted the perilous crossing from France to the UK this year alone.
UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the tragedy as a “horrifying and deeply tragic incident.” She praised the French rescue teams for their efforts but expressed deep concern over the ongoing issue of human trafficking.
Cooper highlighted the ruthless practices of smuggling gangs, emphasizing the need for stronger border security and efforts to dismantle these criminal operations.
The French coastguard confirmed that 65 people were recovered in total, including the 12 deceased. Among the 53 survivors, several are receiving urgent medical treatment in Boulogne-sur-Mer, where a medical post has been established to provide care.
The tragic event underscores the continuing dangers faced by migrants attempting the treacherous journey across the Channel and the urgent need for enhanced measures to address the smuggling trade and ensure safer crossings.