Tragedy at Audreselles: Two Migrants Drown as Dinghy Capsizes in Channel
Two migrants died off the coast of Audreselles after their dinghy capsized just hours following French police’s controversial decision not to intervene. The disaster triggered a massive rescue involving at least five ships and a Coastguard helicopter, spotlighting the deadly migrant crisis in the Channel.
French Police Watch but Don’t Act as Migrants Set Off
About 60 migrants were seen heading out on the perilous crossing, but French police held back instead of stepping in. Less than a kilometre from shore, the dinghy began to falter and eventually overturned, plunging passengers into the cold sea.
“Police were watching the boats leave from around Neufchatel-Hardelot but hesitated to act once they were in the water. Not long after, one of the boats overturned, throwing everyone into the sea,” a French investigation source revealed.
Rescue Efforts Save Most, But Two Dead Found
The grim toll includes a man and woman in their 30s who were found lifeless. A third person was airlifted to hospital, while 57 others were rescued. Rescue teams initially recovered most survivors from the water, but attempts to revive the two drowned victims failed.
The Prefecture Maritime stated: “After being winched out by helicopter, one individual was handed over to the fire department. The helicopter then located two missing persons who were, sadly, unresponsive. Attempts to resuscitate them were unsuccessful.”
Migrant Crossings Surge Despite UK-French Crackdown
This tragedy adds to a string of deadly Channel incidents, including six Afghans drowned in August and 27 migrants lost in 2021. The UK has pledged £500 million over three years to fund 500 extra French beach patrol officers, hoping to cut crossings.
Yet, more than 26,000 migrants have reached Britain by small boats so far in 2023. Dangerous Channel conditions with high winds and heavy swells haven’t stopped smugglers exploiting brief weather breaks to push people onto deadly journeys.
The CROSS Gris-Nez maritime coordination centre, working with the maritime gendarmerie, alerted nearby vessels to assist after the migrant boat reported distress. This heartbreaking incident highlights the desperate risks migrants take and the urgent need for stronger, humane border controls to save lives.
