Migrant loses life as vessel carrying 60 individuals overturns in the English Channel

 

The vessel encountered problems approximately five miles off the northern coast of France on Thursday night.

Another individual, in a critical condition, was airlifted to Calais hospital.

The initial passengers were rescued at 1:15 am, followed by the arrival of two additional recovery boats an hour later.

Two individuals were discovered unconscious, and the search for others in the Channel continues this morning.

Collaboration between the UK Coastguard and French authorities is underway for the investigation.

Enver Solomon, the CEO of the Refugee Council, expressed, ‘This marks yet another tragic and preventable incident. Our thoughts are with the victim, survivors, and their families.’

‘These tragic deaths are becoming too frequent, highlighting the urgent necessity for safe passages to prevent perilous journeys across the world’s busiest shipping lane.’

‘Instead, the government is pursuing an impractical and morally questionable Rwanda plan while shutting down existing safe routes to the UK.’

‘Individuals flee persecution and violence in search of safety and family protection. The government must act promptly and respond compassionately to avert future tragedies and safeguard human life.’

Government minister Andrew Griffith emphasised that the English Channel is ‘not a secure passage’.

He stated, ‘These stories are tragic and underscore the crucial need to crackdown on the abhorrent trade of human traffickers operating in the Channel.’

‘The Channel is not a safe route or crossing; people should not be compelled to resort to it.’

Labour chairwoman Anneliese Dodds stressed the necessity for more extensive efforts to dismantle human trafficking networks.