Two women have died while attempting to cross the English Channel in a dinghy, French authorities confirmed. The incident occurred early Saturday when a boat carrying 82 people departed from Neufchatel-Hardelot in Pas-de-Calais. The vessel encountered a technical issue and drifted out to sea.
Victims Identified
French charity Utopia 56 reported that the deceased were a 16-year-old girl and a 20-year-old woman, both from Sudan. They were found dead on the boat. Three other migrants are in a state of 'absolute emergency' after suffering burns from fuel and seawater. A total of 14 individuals are in 'relative emergency,' including five taken to hospital.
Rescue and Investigation
French coastal patrol forces returned the migrants to Boulogne-sur-Mer by 4am. Christophe Marx, secretary-general of Pas-de-Calais, confirmed an investigation has been opened. A French police statement said all state services were mobilized, including gendarmerie, border police, drones, fire and rescue services, and Civil Protection volunteers. The statement condemned smuggling networks for endangering lives.
Crossing Statistics
Home Office figures show 6,796 migrants have crossed the Channel so far this year, down 41% from 11,516 by this time last year. Four people were rescued by French coastguards on Saturday before entering British waters. The Refugee Council called for safe and legal routes, highlighting that Sudanese refugees have no safe path to the UK despite the government acknowledging Sudan as a major humanitarian crisis.
Earlier this month, two men and two women drowned attempting the crossing, and two more migrants died on April 1.
