Two Migrants Die in English Channel Crossing, Raising Death Toll Amid Increasing Crackdowns
August 12, 2024A tragic incident occurred on August 11 when two migrants died while attempting to cross the English Channel in a small boat.
This incident raises the death toll to at least nine migrants in the past month alone, highlighting the ongoing dangers of these crossings.
The incident took place offshore between Calais and Dunkirk, prompting a large-scale rescue operation.
Multiple rescue vessels and a helicopter were deployed, successfully rescuing approximately fifty individuals from the overloaded boat.
Despite the rescue efforts, two migrants could not be revived, with one pronounced dead at the port of Calais and the other at a hospital in Boulogne-sur-Mer.
The year 2024 has already seen 25 migrant deaths while attempting to cross the Channel, surpassing the total of twelve deaths recorded in 2023.
Both French and British governments have been working to curb these dangerous crossings, with recent commitments to enhance cooperation on irregular migration.
The UK Government has condemned the exploitation of vulnerable individuals by criminals and emphasized the dangers associated with small boat crossings.
Since the beginning of 2024, over 350 arrests have been made, and more than fifteen smuggling operations have been dismantled.
Organizations like Utopia 56 and Alarm Phone have attributed the rising death toll to the UK’s intensified crackdown on small boat crossings.
The ages of the deceased migrants have not been disclosed, but the ongoing crisis continues to raise concerns about safety measures in place.
Summary based on 7 sources
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Sources
The Guardian • Aug 11, 2024
Two people die attempting to cross Channel in dinghyBBC News • Aug 11, 2024
Two migrants die trying to cross English Channel in small boatEvening Standard • Aug 11, 2024
Two migrants die trying to cross Channel in small boatGround News • Aug 11, 2024
Two migrants die trying to cross English Channel in small boat