At least three migrants drowned on Sunday December 29 off the coast of Sangatte, near the port of Calais, while trying to cross the Channel to go to the United Kingdom.
In France, a large-scale rescue operation, involving a navy helicopter, was deployed this Sunday morning near Sangatte, in order to rescue migrants trying to cross the Channel to reach the United Kingdom.
Three dead, four people hospitalized
Emergency services assisted 45 people, four of whom were transported to hospitals. Three unconscious people were taken out of the water but could not be resuscitated, despite the efforts of medical teams.
An investigation was opened by the Boulogne-sur-Mer public prosecutor’s office.
For their part, British authorities declared on Saturday that 322 migrants had arrived in England by crossing the Channel aboard six boats.
Intensification of attempts to cross the Channel
This tragedy occurs when attempts to cross the Channel are increasing at the end of the year.
2024 was one of the deadliest for migrants attempting the perilous journey between France and England, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.
Despite French and British efforts to curb migrant crossings, the Channel remains an important smuggling corridor for people fleeing conflict and poverty.
The United Kingdom is the destination targeted by a majority of migrants, for reasons of language, family ties and easier access to asylum and work.
