A tragic incident unfolded as a boat transporting migrants encountered challenges overnight while navigating through the English Channel, resulting in one fatality.
Authorities in France reported that 86 individuals were on the boat and resisted assistance when the patrol boat PSP Cormoran sighted the vessel before the situation worsened.
Shortly before 12.58 am today, individuals started falling off the heavily burdened boat, according to the maritime prefecture, prompting the rescue teams to intervene.
The patrol team spotted five individuals in the water and promptly rescued them, subsequently transferring all 86 migrants back to their boat.
During the rescue operation, it was noticed that one person on board was unresponsive. Immediate first aid was administered until a medical team arrived via helicopter to assist.
Unfortunately, the individual was declared deceased shortly afterward, while the remaining 85 rescued migrants were safely taken to Calais and provided with support by the rescue team.
Second fatality within three days
This tragic incident occurred just after another casualty when a boat carrying 72 migrants collapsed in the Channel on Wednesday afternoon.
The maritime prefecture mentioned that 59 individuals were rescued by the PSP Cormoran, including one unconscious individual who could not be revived by the medical team.
The Border Force Ranger, a British vessel, also rescued 13 people from the water, and both ships transported the group to Calais.
Explore more:
Starmer reveals strategy to address illegal migration crisis ‘at its root’
Banksy asserts ownership of migrant boat artwork
Receive the latest news updates from the UK and worldwide by following Sky News
The French coastguard confirmed that the search was continued until nightfall, with no additional individuals found in the water.
Despite reports suggesting a change in policy, the Home Office refuted any such claims amid rumors that the Border Force vessel had returned migrants to Calais for the first time ever.
It was clarified that the migrants were taken to the French port at the request of France, and that rescued individuals are typically transported to the nearest safe port by UK vessels in compliance with the country’s international maritime responsibilities.
