By adbnu564 A devastating maritime tragedy unfolded in the English Channel off northern France as a boat carrying migrants capsized, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 individuals, including women and children. The vessel was attempting to reach Britain when it encountered severe difficulties.
Reports indicate that the boat, which had around 70 people onboard, was ill-equipped for the journey, with fewer than eight life jackets available. Among the deceased were a pregnant woman and several minors, highlighting the dire situation faced by those on board. The emergency response managed to rescue 53 survivors, but many are in critical condition and require immediate medical attention.
The rescue operation involved three helicopters, two fishing vessels, and two boats, working tirelessly to locate missing persons and assist those in distress. The local authorities, including Olivier Barbarin, mayor of Le Portel, expressed concerns about the perilous conditions in the channel, noting that the vessel’s bottom was torn apart, complicating the survival chances of those unable to swim.
Guirec Le Bras, the city’s prosecutor, reported that the deceased were predominantly of Eritrean origin, though specific nationalities have yet to be confirmed. This tragic incident adds to the growing list of similar maritime disasters in the English Channel, where migrants frequently risk their lives in dangerous attempts to reach Britain.
The maritime prefecture emphasized the perilous nature of this channel sector, one of the world’s busiest with over 600 merchant ships passing daily. The combination of heavy traffic and often challenging weather conditions makes the English Channel a particularly hazardous area for such crossings.