By Just one day after a tragic incident claimed the lives of 12 migrants attempting to cross the English Channel, dozens more risked their lives in a similar journey on Wednesday. The persistence of these dangerous crossings underscores the magnitude of the migration challenge facing both French and British governments.
From the coast of Wimereux, a town in northern France, Associated Press journalists observed a crowded inflatable boat carrying an estimated 40 to 50 migrants. The vessel, monitored by French patrol boats, struggled through the seas, highlighting the desperate measures taken by those seeking to reach British shores.
Jean-Luc Dubaële, the mayor of Wimereux, expressed frustration at the ongoing crisis. “Unfortunately, every day is like this for us. The smugglers — a criminal network — continue with insistence to send people to their deaths in the channel. It really is unacceptable, scandalous,” he said in a telephone interview. Dubaële called for urgent discussions between French and British officials to find a lasting solution.
The French maritime agency confirmed the migrant boat’s presence, with patrol vessels Armoise and its smaller companion monitoring the situation. Observers noted the overcrowded conditions on the inflatable, with passengers crammed side-by-side and some dangling their legs over the sides.
Despite the recent tragedy, the Channel appeared relatively calm on Wednesday, with small waves lapping against the beach. French patrol boats were seen providing additional life vests to the migrants during their journey.
According to British government figures, at least 21,720 migrants have crossed the English Channel so far this year, marking a 3% increase from the same period last year, but a 19% decrease compared to 2022. On Tuesday alone, when the fatal incident occurred, British authorities reported that at least 317 migrants successfully crossed in five boats.
The ongoing migration crisis has significant political implications. In the recent UK general election, the Labour Party, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, made addressing cross-Channel migration a key focus. Upon taking office, the new government immediately scrapped the previous Conservative administration’s plan to send some migrants to Rwanda.
Starmer dismissed the Rwanda plan as a “gimmick” that would not deter crossings. Instead, his government has redirected funds towards strengthening the border force to combat the criminal gangs orchestrating these dangerous journeys.
Source: AP
