12 dead when migrant boat capsizes in the English Channel

Paris, September 3 (IANS): At least twelve people were killed when a boat carrying migrants capsized in the English Channel on Tuesday morning, said French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin.

“Terrible shipwreck in the Pas-de-Calais, off Wimereux. The provisional toll is 12 dead, two missing and several injured,” Darmanin said in a post on X as he prepared to leave for the rescue center in Boulogne-sur-Mer.

He adds that emergency services are working to find those still missing and care for the victims.

The French coast guard said 53 people were rescued in the incident, the BBC reported.

It was said that 65 people had been rescued, including the 12 dead.

The coast guard said in a statement that several of the 53 survivors needed urgent medical attention and that a medical station had been set up in Boulogne-sur-Mer to care for them.

The search operations are still ongoing, it said.

The French coast guard said it had learned of the sinking of a boat off the coast of Cap Gris-Nez, southwest of Calais, late Tuesday morning and that a nearby standby rescue vessel had arrived at the scene.

Shortly afterwards, several more vessels were deployed – including two fishing boats, a boat from the French Navy and boats from a French rescue organization.

Helicopters, including one from the Navy, were also deployed.

According to the BBC, Monday's accident brings the number of migrants who have died trying to reach England in 2024 to 37. French authorities blame the rising death toll on unscrupulous people smugglers who cram too many people onto unseaworthy boats.

More than 20,000 people have now attempted the dangerous crossing this year, putting pressure on the new British Labour government, which has assured them that it will address the problem.