Eight people tragically lost their lives overnight while attempting to cross the English Channel from France to England, French authorities reported. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday when a rubber boat, carrying around 60 migrants from countries including Eritrea, Sudan, Syria, and Iran, ran into difficulties in waters near Boulogne-sur-Mer in northern France.

Rescue services were alerted after the vessel began to struggle, but aid could not reach the boat in time. The boat, initially spotted heading towards a beach in Ambleteuse, was ultimately driven onto rocks, where it broke apart. Emergency responders on the beach attended to 53 survivors, with six individuals, including a baby suffering from hypothermia, transported to the hospital. Despite extensive sea searches, no additional survivors were found, and eight fatalities were confirmed.

This incident follows a similar tragedy less than two weeks ago when 12 people, including six children and a pregnant woman, drowned in the Channel. This recent loss highlights the increasing dangers faced by migrants making the perilous journey across the Channel, with 45 people having lost their lives attempting the crossing so far in 2024, according to the UN’s International Organisation for Migration.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed sorrow over the incident, describing it as “awful” to hear of more lives lost in the Channel. He reiterated the UK government’s commitment to addressing the root causes of these dangerous crossings by working closely with European partners to dismantle people-smuggling operations. Meanwhile, the French authorities have launched an investigation into the latest tragedy.

Amnesty International UK and other humanitarian groups, including the Refugee Council, called the deaths avoidable and urged for a more comprehensive approach to the issue. They argue that enforcement alone is insufficient, advocating for improved access to safe asylum routes and increased cooperation between nations to prevent further loss of life in the Channel.

With over 23,000 people having crossed the Channel this year, and a surge in attempts during periods of calmer weather, the urgent need for better safety measures and asylum policies is becoming increasingly clear.