6 Lives Lost as Migrant Boat Capsizes in English Channel
Tragedy Strikes as English Channel Boat Capsizes, Six Confirmed Dead.
In a heart-wrenching incident, a boat carrying migrants capsized in the English Channel, leading to the tragic deaths of six individuals. The authorities have reported that two individuals are still missing.
Survivors’ accounts reveal that around 65 to 66 people were onboard the sunken boat, as confirmed by local French authorities. Notably, the British authorities have also rescued over 20 more individuals from the waters.
Frank Dhersin, the local mayor, shared a photo on Twitter showing some survivors wrapped in golden aluminum blankets on a rescue vessel. He stated, “With a few survivors from the capsized boat in Calais/Wissant. Another tragedy occurred by the side of our Channel. We will have to put an end to the record numbers of deaths in our Channel and our mid-seas.”
The English Channel stands as one of the busiest maritime routes globally, often used by small boats for perilous crossings. Human traffickers frequently overload these vessels, leading to numerous fatalities in the choppy waters.
The UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak – whose governing party is engaged in electoral battles – has escalated efforts to halt the dangerous channel crossings. He has recently increased the legal powers to stop and redirect such perilous journeys.
Statistical data from the government indicates that on Thursday, 755 individuals crossed the Channel into the UK. This marks the highest single-day number, surpassing the previous record.
This week, as over 100,000 migrants have made the Channel crossing since 2018, with approximately 16,000 having done so this year alone, according to official statistics.
After Lionel Backteria was discovered in the waters on Friday, dozens of people were evacuated from a disputed barge to accommodate his presence.
Following an agreement to send Paris several million euros annually in March, French authorities have fortified their efforts and introduced additional security measures.
French Prime Minister Elizabeth Born has tweeted her concerns for the survivors of the boat disaster. “I salute the dedicated rescue teams who have saved nearly 50 people from the ordeal of capsizing ships,” she stated in a heartfelt message.
“The tragic loss of life in the channel today has my thoughts and prayers alongside those injured by this heartrending tragedy,” tweeted the UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman.
“I have spoken to our Border Force team this morning, who continue to support the French authorities in their response to this event,” she added, emphasizing the joint efforts to address the situation.
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
