Tragic Sinking of Overloaded Migrant Boat Claims Life of Baby in Channel
In a heartbreaking incident, a baby tragically lost their life when an overloaded migrant boat sank while attempting to reach Britain. This event occurred late Thursday night off the coast of Wissant, France, as reported by French maritime authorities on Friday, October 18. During this distressing event, 65 individuals were rescued, but rescuers found a baby unconscious amidst the chaos, who was later pronounced dead.
This latest tragedy adds to the growing toll of migrants who have perished while trying to cross the treacherous waters of the Channel. Since the beginning of the year, at least 52 migrants have lost their lives in similar circumstances, marking a grim record since 2018.
The perilous journey across the Channel has become increasingly deadly. Just last month, on September 3, six children and an equal number of adults lost their lives as their boat capsized. The dangers escalated further in the following weeks when an overloaded vessel faced difficulties, leading to the death of a two-year-old boy along with three adults during the perilous crossing.
According to official figures from the UK Home Office, the number of migrants arriving in boats this year has sharply increased, with an average of 53 migrants arriving daily, compared to just 13 in 2020. Since the beginning of the year, over 26,000 migrants have made the dangerous journey to British shores.
These tragedies highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis faced by migrants risking their lives in search of safety and better opportunities. As the numbers continue to rise, the need for effective solutions and support for those fleeing hardship becomes ever more urgent.
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