French authorities have reported the deaths of at least three migrants early Sunday morning as they attempted to cross the English Channel from northern France to the United Kingdom.
The tragic incident unfolded near the town of Sangatte, where approximately 50 people were stranded in the water and along the shore around 6 a.m.
Emergency services, supported by a Navy Dauphin helicopter, launched a rescue operation that successfully saved 45 individuals. Four survivors were hospitalized for medical treatment.
Unfortunately, three unconscious individuals were retrieved from the water but could not be revived despite medical teams’ efforts.
The public prosecutor’s office in Boulogne-sur-Mer has initiated an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
This tragedy comes amid a significant rise in migrant attempts to cross the English Channel as 2024 draws to a close. Just days earlier, on December 25, the French Coast Guard rescued 107 migrants attempting the perilous journey during Christmas.
Official reports indicate that 2024 has seen an unprecedented increase in fatal crossings, with at least 73 migrants losing their lives while navigating the dangerous waters in small boats.
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