Migrant Tragedy: 8 Lives Lost Crossing to UK

Channel Crossing Claims 8 Lives

The rescues involved four separate boats, carrying 61, 55, 48, and 36 people respectively, with the French...

Death toll rises in Channel crossings: 8 more migrants die, bringing 2024 total to 45, despite over 21,000 successful journeys this year.

French authorities have confirmed the deaths of eight migrants who attempted to cross the Channel from France to England overnight.

A distress call was made to rescue services after the migrants' boat encountered turbulence off the coast of Boulogne-sur-mer in Pas-de-Calais around 01:00 local time (00:00 BST).

The migrants were traveling on a rubber vessel that departed with 50 people on board, but it sank shortly after leaving, resulting in the tragic loss of eight lives.

The recent tragedy occurs just two weeks after a devastating incident on September 3, where 12 lives were lost, including six children and a pregnant woman, when a migrant boat sank in the Channel.

This latest incident brings the total number of fatalities in the Channel to 20, making it the deadliest period in recent memory, with two separate tragedies occurring within a fortnight.

French maritime authorities reported that 200 migrants were rescued within a 24-hour period, spanning Friday and Saturday, as calmer weather conditions led to an increase in crossing attempts.

The rescues involved four separate boats, carrying 61, 55, 48, and 36 people respectively, with the French coast guard and other first responders working together to save those on board.

According to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the latest tragedy brings the total number of deaths in the Channel this year to 45, the highest reported toll since 2021.

Despite the rising death toll, migrants continue to attempt the perilous journey, with over 21,000 people successfully crossing the Channel this year. Authorities reported monitoring 18 attempted crossings in just one day, indicating undeterred determination among migrants.