In one of the worst tragedies in the Channel since the small boats crisis began, at least 12 people have died after a boat carrying dozens of asylum seekers to the UK was “ripped open.” The disaster, which occurred early Tuesday off Cap Gris-Nez, has intensified calls for safer asylum routes.
The French authorities reported that 10 of the deceased were women, and many are believed to be from Eritrea. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin stated that over 50 people were rescued, including two in critical condition. Only eight of the 70 passengers were wearing life jackets, according to officials.
This tragedy is one of the deadliest incidents involving small boats trying to reach the UK. Following this disaster, Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure to establish legal routes for asylum seekers, aiming to prevent such perilous journeys.
Darmanin has also advocated for a new migration treaty between the UK and the EU to facilitate asylum claims. UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the incident as “horrifying and deeply tragic.” She emphasized the need to dismantle “dangerous and criminal smuggler gangs” and enhance border security. Cooper stated she was in contact with French officials and expressed condolences to the victims’ families.
The French coastguard responded after a dinghy encountered trouble near Le Portel, about 28 miles southwest of Calais. All individuals on board ended up in the water, many without life jackets. The wreck occurred in French waters, and UK search and rescue vessels are on standby.
Boulogne-sur-Mer prosecutor Guirec Le Bras confirmed that at least 12 people died, including six minors and 10 females. While the victims are believed to be mostly Eritrean, exact nationalities have not been confirmed. Boulogne-sur-Mer Mayor Frédéric Cuvillier noted that a pregnant woman was among the victims.
In recent weeks, over 2,000 people have arrived in the UK via small boats. On August 28, more than 600 people arrived in 10 boats, and on September 2, 351 people arrived in six vessels. This latest incident follows other tragedies, including the deaths of two people on August 11 and a previous incident on July 19.
Charities are calling for the establishment of safe routes to prevent such dangerous crossings. Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, criticized the high number of deaths and argued that enhanced security measures have led to more dangerous crossings. He urged the government to create safer pathways for those fleeing violence and persecution.
Amnesty International UK and Safe Passage International also emphasized the need for new safe routes. They criticized the government’s response and called for immediate action to prevent further tragedies.
In response to the crisis, the UK agreed in 2023 to provide approximately £476 million over three years to support French border security. Darmanin argued that the UK’s contribution is insufficient compared to French spending on preventing migrant deaths and called for a new migration treaty with the EU.
The Channel is one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes with strong currents, making crossings on small boats extremely hazardous. Smugglers often overload flimsy dinghies, increasing the risk of disaster.
The worst maritime disaster in the Channel in 30 years occurred on November 24, 2021, when 31 people died despite multiple SOS calls to emergency services. This year, more than 30 people have died in Channel crossings, with 12 deaths or missing persons recorded last year.
The International Organisation for Migration estimates that 226 people, including 35 children, have died or gone missing in Channel crossings as of January.
Labour has pledged to combat small boat crossings by targeting people-smuggling gangs. In response to calls for safe routes, Border Security and Asylum Minister Angela Eagle claimed that while some safe routes exist, they are insufficient to meet the demand. She stressed the need to address people-smuggling operations to reduce exploitation and prevent further tragedies.
