At least 12 people have tragically died and two are missing after a boat carrying migrants capsized in the English Channel, according to French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin. The boat was overcrowded, with fewer than eight people wearing life jackets. Rescuers managed to save 51 individuals, two of whom are in critical condition. The victims, primarily of Eritrean origin, included a pregnant woman and six children.
The incident has sparked calls for safe routes for asylum seekers to prevent such tragedies in the future. Humanitarian organizations and political figures have criticized the policies of the French and UK governments, which they say are leading to increased risks for migrants attempting dangerous crossings.
The CEO of Care4Calais, Steve Smith, urged political leaders to take action to end these avoidable tragedies, emphasizing the need for safe routes. Similarly, the British Red Cross called for more safe routes to prevent people from risking their lives in perilous journeys across the Channel.
The high number of deaths in the Channel in 2024 has raised concerns about the need for a comprehensive approach to reduce dangerous crossings. As the investigation into the recent incident unfolds, officials are working to provide support to the victims and locate the missing individuals.
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