Sun Sep 15 10:16:48 UTC 2024: ## Eight Migrants Die in Channel Crossing Tragedy, Bringing Death Toll to 46 This Year
**Calais, France:** Eight migrants died early Sunday morning when their overcrowded vessel capsized while attempting to cross the English Channel from France to England, marking the latest tragedy in a string of deadly crossings. This brings the total number of migrant deaths attempting to reach England from France this year to 46, up from 12 in 2023.
The boat, carrying 59 individuals from Eritrea, Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan, Egypt, and Iran, departed from the Slack River near the town of Ambleteuse. It quickly ran into trouble, capsizing and breaking apart on rocks. Six survivors, including a 10-month-old baby suffering from hypothermia, were hospitalized.
The incident follows a similar tragedy on September 3rd, when at least 12 migrants died after their boat capsized off the northern French coast. Survivors of that incident described the harrowing scene, witnessing young children and women perish.
Despite increased efforts from both the French and British governments to stem the flow of migrants, the number of crossings continues to rise. Over 22,000 migrants have arrived in England via the Channel this year alone. While French authorities are actively trying to prevent migrants from embarking on these perilous journeys, they do not intervene once the boats are at sea, citing safety concerns.
This latest tragedy has reignited calls for stronger cooperation between France and the UK to address the migrant crisis and prevent further loss of life. Both Prime Ministers Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron have pledged to strengthen their collaboration in handling the surge in undocumented migrants, but the tragic reality on the ground underscores the urgent need for effective solutions.
First Piper 