8 migrants die crossing English Channel

New Delhi, Sep 15: Eight migrants have died overnight while attempting to cross the English Channel from France to England, French police have confirmed to the international media. News reports suggest that the incident occurred after a rubber boat carrying around 50 migrants faced rough sea waters in the Pas-de-Calais region.

The vessel began sinking shortly after leaving the French coast, with rescue services alerted to the situation. Emergency teams responded to the scene but could not assist from the sea. Upon reaching the beach near Ambleteuse, first responders treated 53 survivors and confirmed eight deaths. Searches continue for any more deaths

This tragedy comes just two weeks after another incident in which 12 migrants, including six children and a pregnant woman, drowned in the Channel. That incident marked the deadliest loss of life in the Channel so far this year.

An investigation into the recent deaths has been launched by the authorities.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy described it as “awful” and emphasised the need to tackle people-smuggling gangs. He reiterated the government’s commitment to working with European partners to deter such dangerous crossings.

Despite efforts by authorities to prevent illegal crossings, migrants continue to make difficult journeys across the Channel. Many are fleeing war, persecution, and extreme poverty in their home countries.

For some, these dangerous crossings are seen as the only option to reach the UK and seek asylum, especially given the lack of legal and safe routes. Human trafficking Smugglers often exploit vulnerable people, promising them safety in exchange for exorbitant fees, even though the boats they provide are often unfit for sea travel.

In recent days, there has been an increase in attempts to cross the Channel, because of calmer weather. Over Friday and Saturday alone, French maritime authorities rescued 200 people from multiple vessels.

The total number of migrant deaths in the Channel this year has now reached 45, the highest figure since 2021, according to the UN’s International Organisation for Migration.

More than 21,000 migrants have crossed the Channel this year, highlighting the scale of the crisis. Amnesty International UK called the latest tragedy “appalling and avoidable.”

Many believe that enforcement measures alone cannot solve the crisis. Instead, there is a growing call for international cooperation to address the root causes driving people to risk their lives, alongside efforts to dismantle the criminal networks profiting from human misery.