Twelve migrants have died while attempting to cross the Channel from the northern coast of France to England, according to French authorities. The French Interior Minister, Gerald Darmanin, confirmed the death toll on social media platform X and mentioned that two other migrants remain missing.
The boat, which was carrying dozens of migrants, encountered trouble near Wimereux, close to Boulogne-sur-Mer. A major rescue operation is currently underway, with French navy helicopters, fishing boats, and military vessels involved in the search for the missing migrants and providing medical assistance to the wounded.
Minister Darmanin stated that he is traveling to the site of the disaster to coordinate with officials, emphasizing that all government services are mobilized to address the crisis.
This tragedy comes amid ongoing efforts by the French and British governments to curb the flow of migrants crossing the Channel. Earlier this summer, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to enhance cooperation to manage the increase in undocumented migrant numbers.
