Baby Dies wile 65 rescued after migrant boat sinks in Channel

French authorities have verified that a baby perished in the sinking of a boat carrying migrants who were attempting to cross the English Channel on Thursday night. The vessel, which was overloaded and crowded with individuals attempting to make the perilous voyage, began to sink off the coast of Wissant in northern France.

Rescue teams were dispatched to the location and successfully evacuated 65 individuals, including those who had fallen into the water. Nevertheless, they discovered an unconscious infant during their quest for additional survivors, who was subsequently pronounced deceased.

The local prefecture released a statement that provided a detailed account of the night’s events: “Rescuers discovered that the boat, which was heavily laden, was in distress and that a number of individuals were underwater.” Rescuers initiated the process of rescuing individuals who were in distress. Simultaneously, additional investigations were conducted to locate individuals who may have become stranded at sea. The baby was discovered during these enquiries.

An inquiry into the person’s demise has been initiated by French authorities. This occurrence underscores the expanding danger that migrants encounter as they endeavour to traverse the English Channel, a perilous voyage that has become more prevalent in recent years.

The tragedy increases the mortality toll in 2024, which is already the deadliest year for migrant crossings of the Channel since 2018. Dinghies frequently transport 50 or more individuals, exceeding their safe capacity, which is a common occurrence on numerous boats that embark on the voyage. During the perilous crossing, migrants are frequently not provided with life vests, which heightens the likelihood of drowning.

This latest occurrence is the latest in a string of comparable disasters. Twelve individuals, including six children and a pregnant woman, perished in the maritime disaster that occurred off the French coast on September 3. Four additional individuals, including a two-year-old infant, met their deaths in two distinct incidents one month later. They were reportedly “trampled to death” on overcrowded boats. Following the most recent shipwreck, the total number of fatalities from Channel crossings this year has reached a minimum of 53.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reiterated his dedication to combating migrant smuggling, with a particular emphasis on the criminal organisations that facilitate perilous Channel crossings. He emphasised the government’s commitment to reducing the risks encountered by migrants attempting to reach the UK by putting an end to these perilous journeys and curbing the activities of smugglers. The government continues to prioritise the prevention of additional catastrophes and the resolution of the ongoing issue.

The number of migrants arriving in Britain on small vessels remains high, despite efforts to reduce the number of crossings. The UK Home Office has reported that over 26,000 individuals have traversed the Channel since the beginning of the year.

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has issued a call for immediate action, asserting that fatalities in the Channel are “preventable.” The organisation has encouraged governments to implement more stringent measures to prevent additional fatalities and to address the underlying factors that motivate individuals to risk their lives on these perilous journeys. The situation continues to be a pressing humanitarian crisis, as authorities continue to seek solutions to reduce the number of deaths and halt the deadly crossings.