Capsizing of Migrant Boat in the English Channel Leaves at Least 6 Dead

Local officials in France reported that the capsizing of a boat carrying migrants attempting to cross the English Channel from France to Britain has claimed the lives of at least six individuals. According to Reuters, French authorities added that nearly 60 people have been rescued. Frank Dhercin, the local mayor, told Reuters that a large-scale rescue operation began around 6 AM local time, as dozens of boats carrying migrants were trying to cross the Channel simultaneously. He stated, 'Several boats encountered serious problems, and unfortunately, the bodies of these migrants were found near the coastal town of Sangatte.' The French maritime authority confirmed that at least six people died in this incident and stated that search and rescue operations are still ongoing. The English Channel, located between France and Britain, is one of the busiest shipping routes in the world. The strong currents of this channel make it dangerous for small boats to cross. Human traffickers often fill old or small boats with migrants, vessels that struggle to transport their passengers. These boats are at risk of being battered by turbulent waves while attempting to reach the shores of Britain. UK government statistics indicate that the number of migrants who have crossed the Channel since early 2018 has exceeded 100,000. This year alone, nearly 16,000 have made the crossing. Also see: The UK begins a plan to reduce costs; transferring asylum seekers to a barge off the British coast. The UK and Turkey have agreed to reduce the influx of asylum seekers into Europe. Italy has rescued dozens of migrants from capsized boats. About 400 Pakistani migrants were freed from smuggling warehouses in Libya. The European Union's Human Rights Watch is investigating the sinking of migrant boats.