Tragedy in English Channel as Migrant Boat Capsizes
A migrant boat carrying nearly 70 people capsized off Cap Gris-Nez late Tuesday morning, killing at least twelve. Two migrants remain missing, while several survivors suffer injuries, some critical.
Massive Rescue Operation Underway
The overcrowded vessel went down near the Pas-de-Calais coast, sparking a large-scale rescue mission. Emergency teams deployed three helicopters and set up an advanced aid station in Boulogne-sur-Mer to treat the wounded.
French Interior Minister Speaks Out
“Terrible shipwreck in Pas-de-Calais, off the coast of Wimereux. The provisional toll stands at 12 people dead, 2 missing and several injured,” tweeted outgoing French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin. “All State services are mobilized to find the missing and take care of the victims. I am going to the elected officials and the emergency services.”
Darmanin is scheduled to visit the scene at 5 p.m. local time to oversee rescue and recovery efforts.
Rising Dangers on the Channel Migration Route
This tragedy highlights the deadly risks migrants face crossing the English Channel, a route that has seen a surge in desperate crossings recently. British and French authorities continue to tackle the migrant crisis, but incidents like this underscore the perilous conditions and human cost.
Rescue operations are ongoing with hopes of locating the missing. The injured remain under urgent medical care in Boulogne-sur-Mer. More updates will follow as the situation unfolds.
