At least five migrants, including a child, lost their lives while attempting to cross the Channel from France to Britain aboard an overcrowded small boat, as confirmed by local authorities.
Among the casualties were three men and a woman aboard the dinghy, which carried a total of 110 individuals from the shores of Wimereux, near Boulogne-sur-Mer, according to the local government office.
Reports indicate that the vessel, after encountering a sandbank, managed to return to the open sea. However, a distressing incident unfolded aboard the overcrowded boat, resulting in multiple fatalities.
Details surrounding the tragic event remain scarce, leaving many questions unanswered.
In response to the incident, the beach in Wimereux was cordoned off by police on Tuesday morning, with two ambulance helicopters stationed nearby.
Despite favorable sea conditions, with calm waters and a temperature hovering just above freezing, the perilous journey claimed the lives of those seeking refuge and a better future in Britain.
This latest tragedy adds to a string of similar incidents involving migrants, predominantly from the Middle East and Africa, undertaking hazardous sea crossings in pursuit of sanctuary and opportunity in the UK.
Since the beginning of the year, at least 15 individuals have perished attempting the treacherous voyage, underscoring the dire risks associated with irregular migration routes.
Efforts to curb such fatalities have intensified, with migrants resorting to inland waterways to evade heightened security measures along the French coastline.
