6 Dead, Dozens Rescued As Boat Carrying Migrants From France Capsizes In English Channel

Six people were killed when a boat carrying migrants to Britain sank in the English Channel early Saturday, News agency AFP reported citing French maritime officials who said that a search operation is underway to locate those still missing amidst the waters. According to the report, a spokesperson of the French coastal authority said that between five and ten passengers remained missing, while 55 were rescued.

Swift and coordinated efforts were mounted for the rescue operation, involving four French ships, a helicopter, and two British vessels, the report said. Notably, some of the survivors were plucked from the sea by the British ships, emphasising the collaborative nature of the rescue efforts.

“Four French ships and a helicopter plus two British vessels were involved in rescue effort off Sangatte in northern France, authorities said, adding that some survivors were rescued by the British vessels,” the report said. 

The report said that earlier updates indicated that among the victims, one individual of Afghan origin had tragically lost his life, while five others remained in critical condition. According to the Premar (French coastal authority) spokesperson, a maritime surveillance plane has been dispatched to the area to aid in the search.

Rescued migrants were taken to the French port of Calais, where they disembarked from a patrol boat under the supervision of emergency personnel, it said. 

The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by migrants attempting to traverse the treacherous waters of the Channel. Since the public recording of arrivals began in 2018, over 100,000 migrants have made the perilous journey across the Channel from France to southeast England, AFP reported citing official figures released on Friday.

The Channel crossing, despite being one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, has borne witness to multiple tragedies over the past decade. Reports of capsizings and numerous migrants losing their lives underscore the inherent dangers of this route.

In a chilling echo of previous incidents, the Channel saw a devastating boat capsize in November 2021, killing 27 migrants, the report said.