Ambleteuse, Sep 15 (V7N) – French police have confirmed that eight people have died after a boat capsized while attempting to cross the English Channel from France to the UK early Saturday morning. The tragedy occurred shortly after 1 am local time, with rescuers being alerted just before the accident.

The boat was carrying around 61 people, reportedly attempting to reach England from France, when it began to sink soon after departure. The French coastguard has stated that the nationalities of those on board remain unknown. The boat, a rubber dinghy, was headed towards a beach in Ambleteuse when it encountered trouble.

Rescue operations swiftly mobilised, with emergency services recovering 53 survivors on the beach. Tragically, eight people were found drowned at sea, with no additional survivors found during the sea search. Rescue efforts continue as authorities attempt to account for all passengers.

This marks the second major tragedy in the English Channel within two weeks. Previously, 12 people, including six children and a pregnant woman, lost their lives in a similar attempt to cross the treacherous waters.

An investigation into the latest incident has been opened by the Boulogne-sur-Mer public prosecutor’s office, while UK officials have expressed their condolences and concerns. A UK government spokesman confirmed the death toll, stating that French authorities are leading the investigation. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy labelled the loss of life "horrific" and stressed the need to combat smuggling gangs facilitating these dangerous crossings.

French maritime authorities reported that at least two dozen people were rescued from the Channel between Friday and Saturday. According to the United Nations Migration Agency, this recent incident brings the total number of fatalities in the Channel to 45 for the year, the highest figure since 2021.

As the Channel continues to be a perilous route for those hoping to reach the UK, efforts to address the human smuggling crisis and the dangers faced by migrants remain a critical issue for both France and the UK.

END/AJ/SMA