Tragedy Strikes as Five Migrants, Including Child, Die in English Channel Crossing Attempt
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Salma Hossein
- . April 23, 2024
- . Update: April 23, 2024 8:07 pm
In a tragic event off the coast of Wimereux in northern France, five migrants, including a seven-year-old girl, a woman, and three men, lost their lives during an attempt to cross the English Channel. The local official, Jacques Billant, confirmed the devastating news.
According to the French coastguard, the crossing attempt ended in failure, with several “lifeless bodies” discovered. The incident occurred just hours after the controversial Rwanda bill, aimed at deterring migrants from crossing the Channel in small boats, was passed by the UK government.
The overcrowded boat reportedly carried a total of 112 people, as stated by Mr. Billant. Out of those on board, 47 individuals were rescued, with four requiring hospitalization. Shockingly, more than 50 others chose to continue their journey despite the tragic outcome.
A witness to the incident, charity worker Sandrine, shared her account with Sky News. She described seeing two dinghies in distress and witnessing the heartbreaking aftermath. Sandrine recalled the father of the girl who died falling into her arms, expressing disbelief at the tragic turn of events. Efforts were made to resuscitate the young girl, but unfortunately, she had already passed away. Helicopters soon arrived, and four other bodies were discovered.
UK Home Secretary James Cleverly expressed his dismay, stating that such tragedies must come to an end. He emphasized that the current situation, which costs numerous lives, cannot be accepted. Cleverly assured that the government is doing everything within its power to halt this dangerous trade.
Former immigration minister and Conservative MP Robert Jenrick, who resigned over the government’s Rwanda plan, called on the EU to provide member states with legal cover to seize unseaworthy boats, referring to the incident as “another intolerable tragedy.”
It should be noted that although Sky News filmed a suspected migrant boat attempting to cross the Channel earlier, it remains uncertain whether it was the same vessel involved in this deadly incident. Pictures showed suspected migrants arriving at the Port of Dover on a British Border Force vessel on the same day.
The loss of lives in this English Channel crossing attempt serves as a stark reminder of the risks and challenges faced by migrants seeking a better life. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to ensure their safety and address the underlying causes of migration. The incident has sparked reactions from government officials, highlighting the ongoing efforts to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
