A pregnant woman and six children were among 12 people who tragically drowned after an overcrowded migrant boat capsized while attempting to cross the English Channel. The French coastguard confirmed the fatalities after rescuing up to 65 people off the coast of Cap Gris-Nez. The victims included ten females and two males, with most of the migrants believed to be from Eritrea.
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin described the incident as a “terrible shipwreck” and commended the emergency services for their swift and courageous response, which saved 51 lives. Darmanin noted that the overcrowded boat was less than seven meters long, underscoring the dangerous conditions migrants face when attempting such crossings.
UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed her sorrow, calling the incident “horrifying and deeply tragic.” She emphasized the need to dismantle smuggling networks and enhance border security to prevent further tragedies.
The sinking marks the latest in a series of deadly incidents in the Channel, with over 30 migrant deaths recorded so far this year. The International Organization for Migration estimates that 226 people, including 35 children, have either died or gone missing during Channel crossings in 2024.
The incident has reignited calls from charities and campaigners for urgent reforms to provide safer, legal routes for asylum seekers. Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to reduce dangerous crossings, while Anna Kettley of Unicef urged the UK Government to prioritize the protection of children in its immigration policies.