Tragic Death of Baby After Overloaded Migrant Boat Sinks in English Channel

Migrant Boat Sinks

A tragic incident unfolded in the English Channel on Thursday night when an overloaded boat carrying migrants sank off the coast of Wissant, France, leading to the death of a baby.

French authorities reported that rescuers managed to save 65 individuals, some of whom were found struggling in the water. During the search, they discovered an unconscious baby, who was later pronounced dead.

The rescue operation involved a French navy patrol boat and a helicopter, as officials noted the boat was heavily loaded and in distress. "Rescuers found that the boat was in difficulty, and people were in the water," stated the local prefecture. As the rescue efforts continued, searches were conducted for any additional individuals who might be stranded at sea.

An investigation has been launched by prosecutors into the baby’s death. This incident marks 2024 as the deadliest year for migrant crossings in the Channel since 2018. Current reports indicate that dinghies are now often carrying 50 or more migrants, significantly increasing the risks involved, with many not wearing life jackets during the perilous journey.

Earlier this year, several other tragedies occurred, including the deaths of six children and a pregnant woman in September, and a two-year-old boy in another incident in October. This latest sinking raises the total number of migrant deaths in the Channel for 2024 to at least 53.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his strong commitment to addressing the smuggling gangs responsible for these crossings. Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, expressed deep sorrow over the baby’s death, emphasizing that those making the crossing are fleeing dire circumstances and simply seek safety. He urged the government to establish "safe and legal routes" for refugees, as disrupting smuggling operations alone is not sufficient.

According to the Home Office, over 26,000 migrants have arrived in the UK on small boats since the beginning of the year. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has stressed that many of these deaths in the Channel are preventable.

Tragic Death of Baby After Overloaded Migrant Boat Sinks in English Channel