Three migrants died early this morning while trying to cross the English Channel in a small boat in an attempt to reach Britain, French authorities announced, quoted by BTA.
The incident occurred off the coast of the municipality of Sangat around 6:00 a.m. local time, Reuters reported.
Rescue operation and casualties
- The French maritime services confirmed the deaths of three people who were found unconscious.
- 45 other migrants were rescued and hospitalized with symptoms of hypothermia.
- The search for possible missing persons is currently ongoing.
In recent years, the English Channel, one of the world's busiest sea routes, has become a key area for illegal migration, despite the dangers of crossing it in small and often unseaworthy boats. Dozens of migrants have died this year in such attempts.
Political reaction
- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whose Labour Party won the election in July, has made the fight against illegal migration a top priority, promising to break up people-smuggling networks.
- The British Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Angela Eagle, said that the “ruthless criminals“ who organise the transfer of migrants are responsible for the tragedy.
Scale of the problem
According to British government figures, nearly 30,000 people arrived in Britain in small boats in 2023, with 1,500 of them crossing after Christmas.
The British government is working in cooperation with French authorities to manage the situation. The incident highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating human trafficking and protecting the lives of migrants.