12 dead, 50 rescued after migrant boat capsizes in English Channel

At least 12 people have died and more than 50 others have been rescued after a migrant boat capsized in the English Channel off the French coast near Pas-de-Calais.

The tragic incident, which occurred earlier on Tuesday, has prompted large-scale search and rescue operations.

French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin confirmed the grim toll, saying: “A terrible shipwreck in Pas-de-Calais, off the coast of Wimereux. The provisional death toll stands at 12 dead, two missing and several injured.” He added that emergency services were actively searching for those still missing and treating the victims.

The French coastguard reported that 53 people were rescued from the water, with a total of 65 people recovered, including the 12 who died. Many of the survivors required urgent medical attention and a medical post was set up in Boulogne-sur-Mer to provide the necessary treatment.

The tragic incident is the deadliest disaster in the Channel this year, a route that remains one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.

According to the BBC, search and rescue operations are still ongoing and authorities are closely monitoring the situation.

British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the disaster as a “terrible and deeply tragic incident.” She thanked the French rescue teams, saying: “They undoubtedly saved many lives, but unfortunately they could not save everyone.”

Cooper went on to criticise the people-smuggling operations responsible for such dangerous crossings, saying: “The gangs behind this appalling and heartless trade in human life are cramming ever more people into ever more unsafe rowing boats and sending them out into the Channel even in very bad weather. They care only about the profit they make, and that is why – as well as mourning the terrible loss of life – the work to dismantle these dangerous and criminal smuggling gangs and strengthen border security is so vital and must continue urgently.”

The disaster came amid a surge in attempted crossings this year, with more than 20,000 people attempting the perilous journey from France to the UK. The ongoing rescue operation reflects the high stakes and dangers faced by migrants seeking a better life, as well as the challenges faced by authorities in managing and preventing such tragedies.