Several migrants die in English Channel crossing attempt, French authorities say
At least eight migrants died early Sunday when the boat they were travelling in capsized during an attempt to cross the English Channel, according to the French authorities. The accident took place shortly after the vessel embarked, less than two weeks after 12 people died while attempting the crossing, the deadliest such disaster this year.
Eight migrants died early Sunday when their overcrowded vessel capsized while trying to cross the Channel from France to England, French authorities said, less than two weeks after the deadliest such disaster this year.
The French and British governments have sought for years to stop the flow of migrants, who pay smugglers thousands of euros per head for the passage to England from France aboard small boats.
A police source told AFP the accident occurred shortly after the boat embarked.
Regional prefect Jacques Billant is set to hold a news conference at 10:00 am (0800 GMT), his office said.
Maritime authorities said Saturday that numerous attempts by migrants to make the perilous crossing in small boats have been attempted in recent days, with 200 people rescued in 24 hours over Friday and Saturday alone.
It was the deadliest such disaster this year, and brought to 37 the number of migrant deaths in the Channel, up from 12 in 2023.
(AFP)
Read more on FRANCE 24 English
Read also:
Boat carrying migrants capsizes in English Channel, killing at least 12
UK announces new measures to crack down on migrant crossings from France
At least five migrants die attempting to cross Channel for UK