A tragic incident occurred in the English Channel as a child migrant fell off a small boat this morning, resulting in the child’s death. The incident involved a crowded dinghy carrying 48 other migrants, who were fortunately rescued. Emergency services commander Jonathan Caruso mentioned that the boat proceeded towards England with around 50 individuals on board.
The child’s body was discovered on Écault beach near the French port town of Boulogne-sur-Mer. Cécile Gressier, the prosecutor in Boulogne-sur-Mer, confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is currently underway. This unfortunate event occurred shortly after the death of two Somali women under similar circumstances.
Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the details surrounding the child’s death, including age and nationality. This recent fatality brings the total number of migrant deaths this year to 21, as individuals attempt to cross from France to Britain on small boats. The two Somali women lost their lives near Neufchâtel-Hardelot, south of Boulogne-sur-Mer.
The deaths are believed to be caused by suffocation or drowning, leading Boulogne prosecutors to launch a criminal inquiry to identify the human traffickers responsible for organizing these deadly journeys. Earlier this month, three individuals, including children, perished after being crushed on a boat. In 2024, a total of 78 migrants have died attempting the same perilous journey to England.
Since the launch of small migrant-filled boats by smugglers in 2018, these tragic incidents have reached a record high. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has vowed to intensify efforts against these criminal organizations profiting from these dangerous crossings.
In April 2024, a criminal investigation was initiated following the deaths of five migrants, including a young girl, near Wimereux close to Calais. The deadliest incident occurred in November 2021 when 27 migrants died as their dinghy sank en route to the UK.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have promised to enhance collaboration in combating human traffickers. However, they face criticism for not taking sufficient action. Their ‘one-in-one-out’ strategy aims to dissuade asylum seekers by swiftly repatriating them. Despite these efforts, over 32,000 people have crossed this year, highlighting the ongoing challenges in preventing these perilous journeys.