At least 10 migrants reported dead after boat capsizes in English Channel
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PARIS – At least 10 migrants died on Sept 3 after the vessel they were in capsized on its way across the English Channel from France to Britain, La Voix du Nord newspaper reported, with a major operation under way to rescue over 50 people.
A French coast guard spokesperson earlier said 10 people were in a critical condition.
The British coast guard did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
In a sign of the severity of the situation, CNews television said outgoing French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin was expected on site, near the town of Boulogne-sur-Mer, later in the afternoon.
Tackling illegal immigration has been a priority for both the British and French governments. Thousands have arrived in Britain in 2024 in boats.
Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged to work closer together to dismantle migrant smuggling routes.
The English Channel is one of the world's busiest shipping lanes and currents are strong, making the crossing on small boats dangerous.
In August, two people were found dead after a boat carrying migrants trying to cross the Channel ran into difficulties. REUTERS
