Eight migrants die while trying to cross English Channel

World

Several migrants have died off the coast of France while attempting to cross the Channel, authorities have said.

The deaths occurred in the commune of Ambleteuse, French officials said.

It comes as French authorities rescued some 200 people off the coast of Calais over a 24-hour period between Friday and Saturday night.

A major rescue is under way after a boat carrying dozens of migrants capsized in the English Channel, according to French media.

A boat carrying migrants that was in poor condition was located off the coast of Le Portel, a French coastal town, and 55 migrants were rescued.

Elsewhere, 61 migrants were picked up off the coast of La Becque d’Hardelot, 48 people were recovered near a lighthouse and at the end of the day 36 people were rescued, French authorities said.

All of those rescued were brought back to land.

French authorities said they monitored 18 attempts to launch boats across the Channel on Saturday.

It comes after at least 12 people, including 10 women and girls, died after a boat with dozens of migrants tore apart in the English Channel earlier this month.

The French coastguard said more than 65 people were rescued after the vessel got into difficulties after it was launched from Le Portel.

France’s interior minister Gerald Darmanin said only eight of the 70 people on board had lifejackets.

It was the deadliest incident so far this year, which had already seen 25 people die attempting to cross the Channel.

More than 21,000 people crossed the English Channel in small boats between January and September this year, government figures show.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow @SkyNews on X or subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

Products You May Like

Articles You May Like

Young brothers were sexually abused by pastor they lived with, California cops say
NPR's Khalid: 'Most' of Harris' Policies, Including on Economy, Immigration, 'Echo' Biden's
Jordanian voters go to polls amid fears of a wider war : NPR
4 takeaways from the first Trump-Harris presidential debate
Highlights from Apple’s product showcase

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *