Tragedy in the Channel: Child among four dead as crossings soar
On Saturday, two accidents occurred on the French side of the English Channel, resulting in the deaths of at least four undocumented immigrants, including a child. This information was reported by the local newspaper "La Voix du Nord".
5:36 PM EDT, October 5, 2024
"Several people died attempting to cross the Channel. A child was trampled to death in the boat. A terrible tragedy that must make us all aware of the ongoing crisis. The smugglers have the blood of these people on their hands, and our government will intensify its efforts against these mafias that profit by organizing these deadly crossings," wrote French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau on platform X.
Details about the victims are provided by "La Voix du Nord," indicating that three people died in a boat accident near Calais, and one near Boulogne. AFP, citing Olivier Barbarin, the mayor of Le Portel, reports that the deceased child was about four years old.
Gangs smuggle people to the UK
Exactly one month ago, on the French side of the English Channel, another accident claimed the lives of 12 undocumented immigrants. The increasing number of accidents is caused by the overloading of dinghies by gangs smuggling people to the UK and the lack of proper safety measures, such as life jackets.
Data from the British Home Office shows that from the beginning of the year until October 4th, 25,639 people have crossed into the UK illegally. This is slightly more than the same period last year, when the figure was 25,330.
