Tragedy struck off the northern French coast on Tuesday as at least 12 migrants lost their lives while trying to make the perilous journey across the Channel to England. The French Interior Minister, Gerald Darmanin, confirmed the devastating death toll, with two migrants still missing.
The migrants, mostly from Eritrea, encountered trouble off Wimereux, with three minors among the deceased. French authorities mobilised a major rescue operation involving navy helicopters, fishing boats, and military vessels to respond to the emergency.
This incident marks the deadliest migrant crossing disaster this year, bringing the total number of deaths in such incidents to 25, more than double from the previous year. UK Interior Minister Yvette Cooper condemned the heart-wrenching loss of lives and criticized the ruthless smugglers profiting from the vulnerable migrants.
The joint efforts of the French and British governments aim to tackle this ongoing crisis, with a commitment to enhance cooperation in managing the surge in undocumented migrant numbers. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by migrants seeking a better life, and the urgent need for collaborative solutions to prevent further loss of lives.
