Eight Migrants Die in Tragic English Channel Crossing Attempt from Northern France

Eight Migrants Die in Tragic English Channel Crossing Attempt from Northern France

French maritime authorities have confirmed that at least eight people lost their lives in a failed attempt to cross the English Channel from northern France late Saturday. The distressing incident occurred just before midnight when a boat carrying dozens of migrants was spotted struggling near the town of Ambleteuse.

A French rescue vessel was dispatched, and medical assistance was provided to 53 migrants found on the beach, according to a statement from authorities overseeing the Channel and North Sea regions. Despite efforts to save them, eight lives were lost.

No additional individuals were located during the subsequent sea search, the statement added.

Six survivors, including a 10-month-old baby suffering from hypothermia, were transported to a hospital for urgent medical care. Jacques Billant, the Pas-de-Calais prefect, confirmed that the survivors hail from several countries, including Eritrea, Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan, Egypt, and Iran.

Following the tragedy, survivors were taken to a sports hall in Ambleteuse, and the prosecutor’s office in Boulogne-sur-Mer has launched an investigation into the incident.

This disaster follows a similar tragedy just two weeks earlier when a boat carrying migrants capsized in the English Channel, resulting in the deaths of 13 people.