Five migrants die in attempt to cross the English Channel
The boat was said to gotten into trouble launching from a beach in France
Last updated 14th Jan 2024
Five people have died after getting into trouble whilst attempting to cross the English Channel from France.
Local media in France have reported that at least four migrants who had been trying to reach the UK from Europe had drowned in the sea in the early hours of Sunday morning (January 14th).
The incident was reported to have taken place near the French town of Wimereux at around 2am local time.
Newspaper La Voix du Nord claimed that the French coast guard had rescued 72 people from the boat, including 10 children.
Those who were recovered were taken to Calais to be checked on, whilst one person was rushed to hospital in the city of Boulogne-sur-Mer.
The media outlet reported that the incident took place as the boat they were travelling on got into trouble as they were trying to board.
In response to the incident, a Navy helicopter was deployed to help search for potential casualties, whilst police and firefighters were on hand to help with the situation.
Due to the incident taking place in French territorial waters, the British Coast Guard were unable to comment on the case.
The Home Office has yet to give a comment on the situation, but ministers have been informed.
Refugee charities have called on the government to take "decisive action" to help stop the crossings, which are leading to more and more deaths.
Chief Executive of the Refugee Council, Enver Solomon said they were "deeply saddened by the terrible loss of life" on Sunday morning.
"The sad reality is that this is not the first time we are waking up to such devastating news," he added. "With no meaningful commitment from the Government to expand safe routes for refugees, it's only a matter of time before tragedy strikes again."
Foreign Secretary David Cameron admitted that the news of the deaths was "heartbreaking". Speaking to BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, he said that this was more of an incentive to deliver on his government's policy of stopping the boats.
"You can only think about what an appalling end it would be, and the cold waters of the Channel in the middle of the night, it breaks my heart to hear about it," he added.
"But it just shows we've got to stop the boats, we've got to stop this illegal trade in human beings."
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