8 Migrants Die Attempting to Cross English Channel

Eight migrants tragically lost their lives overnight from Saturday to Sunday while attempting to cross the English Channel from northern France to England, police sources confirmed to Agence France-Presse.

The incident occurred when the migrants' boat capsized during the early hours of the night, remaining relatively close to the French coastline.

This disaster follows a similar tragedy less than two weeks ago, when a boat capsized on September 3, leading to the deaths of 12 people.

That earlier incident marked the deadliest Channel crossing of the year, raising the death toll of irregular crossings in 2023 to at least 37.

Authorities reported that dangerous crossings in small boats continued throughout the weekend.

Between Friday and Saturday alone, French maritime officials rescued 200 people attempting the perilous journey across the Channel.

The British and French governments have been working together for years to curb the flow of irregular migrants, who often pay smugglers thousands of euros for a dangerous boat crossing from France to England.

Despite these efforts, the number of migrants attempting the journey remains high. According to British officials, over 22,000 migrants have successfully crossed the Channel into England since the beginning of the year.