Tragedy on the English Channel: Five Dead Including Seven-Year-Old Girl
Fatal Channel Crossing from France
Early Tuesday, five migrants lost their lives attempting the dangerous English Channel crossing to the UK. Among them was a seven-year-old girl, confirmed French officials.
The overloaded boat set sail from Wimereux near Boulogne, packed with 112 desperate migrants. The vessel first ran aground on a sandbank but somehow kept going.
Boat Hits Trouble, Passengers Thrown Into Freezing Waters
Jacques Billant, mayor of the Pas-de-Calais prefecture, gave a grim account at a press briefing. The boat left from Plage des Allemands carrying an “unprecedented 112 people.” Just a few hundred metres offshore, the engine failed. Panic ensued and several passengers – including children – were hurled into the icy sea.
Rescue teams, led by the Abeille Normandie patrol boat, rushed to the scene. “They found some people unconscious, struggling for life,” Billant revealed. Despite urgent medical efforts, five died, including the young girl.
Migrant Aid Worker Shares Heartbreaking Moment
Danny Patoux from migrant charity Osmose 62 spoke to French radio Franceinfo. He mourned the child’s death, recalling, “We have photos of her smiling, full of hope for a new life.” The girl’s father was seen distraught, “He watched his little girl die before his eyes,” Patoux added, showing the human cost behind the crisis.
Rescues and More Migrants Pressing Onwards
- Six migrants were pulled from the water by the patrol boat.
- French authorities saved another 47 people.
- But 57 migrants reignited the engine and continued heading to the UK.
- The UK Border Force reported landing around 70 migrants on the same day, with more arrivals expected.
