Boulogne-sur-Mer, France — At least 12 migrants lost their lives on Tuesday in the deadliest Channel crossing disaster of the year, as a major rescue operation unfolds off the northern French coast. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin confirmed the fatalities and reported that two migrants are still missing. The boat, which ran into trouble near Wimereux, about five kilometers from Boulogne-sur-Mer, also resulted in several injuries.
Darmanin announced that he would visit the disaster area to meet with officials, stating, “All government services are mobilised to find the missing people and treat the injured.” Emergency services, including French navy helicopters, fishing boats, and military vessels, are actively involved in the rescue effort.
The incident, which has claimed the lives of at least three minors among the deceased, is the deadliest migrant crossing disaster this year. It surpasses the previous record of 12 deaths in 2023. UK Interior Minister Yvette Cooper described the tragedy as “horrifying and deeply tragic,” condemning the criminal gangs responsible for the dangerous smuggling operations.
