Five dead on migrant boat trying to cross the Channel - as 'father saw daughter die before him'
A tragic incident off the coast of Wimereux in northern France claimed the lives of a seven-year-old girl, a woman, and three men, according to local official Jacques Billant.
The French coastguard reported a failed attempt to cross the Channel, resulting in several "lifeless bodies" being discovered.
The devastating event occurred shortly after the UK government passed the controversial Rwanda bill, aimed at discouraging migrants from undertaking perilous journeys across the Channel in small boats. Mr. Billant revealed that the overcrowded boat had 112 individuals on board.
Of those aboard, 47 were rescued, with four requiring hospitalization, while more than 50 others chose to continue their journey, the official confirmed.
Sandrine, a charity worker who witnessed the tragedy, recounted seeing two dinghies in distress. She described the heartbreaking scene of a father, whose daughter had died, collapsing into her arms.
Witnessing the efforts to resuscitate the girl, Sandrine expressed disbelief and sorrow. The arrival of helicopters marked the discovery of four additional bodies.
UK Home Secretary James Cleverly wrote on X, condemning the recurring tragedies and emphasizing the government's determination to end such perilous journeys.
Conservative MP Robert Jenrick, who resigned as immigration minister over the government's Rwanda plan, called on the EU to empower member states to intercept unseaworthy boats, labeling the incident another "intolerable tragedy."
Earlier, Sky News captured footage of a suspected migrant boat attempting the Channel crossing, although it remains unclear if it was related to the fatal incident.
Images of suspected migrants arriving at the Port of Dover on a British Border Force vessel emerged, highlighting ongoing migration challenges.
Sky's Europe correspondent Adam Parsons reported from the French coast, detailing a complex rescue operation involving multiple vessels and helicopters.
Despite favorable sea conditions, the boat reportedly struck a sandbar around 5 am, prompting individuals to enter the water. The Channel's treacherous currents and heavy maritime traffic make such journeys exceptionally dangerous, especially in poorly equipped boats overloaded by people smugglers.
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