Migrant dies on overcrowded boat trying to cross English Channel

Jul 28. () –

One person has died in an attempt to cross the English Channel from France to the United Kingdom, according to the Maritime Prefecture of the English Channel and the North Sea, which notes that he was on a boat packed with more than 34 people and that he needed assistance.

The vessel left Calais on Saturday evening, according to the Gris-Nez Regional Operational Surveillance Centre, which notified the Coast Guard vessels Armoise and Kermorvan.

The first contact with the boat was made at 5.30 am, when it was found to be “heavily loaded” and “in difficulty” as some of the passengers needed assistance. Two semi-rigid boats were used to begin the rescue operation.

Four people were taken to the Kermorvan, one of whom appeared to be unconscious. First aid was given and the unconscious person was evacuated by air to the Hospital of Bologna sur Mare, but ultimately nothing could be done to save his life, according to a statement from the Maritime Prefecture.

The 33 rescued alive were taken aboard the Kermorvan, but many others refused to come on board. “Given the risk of falling overboard and being injured in a forced intervention, the decision was taken to allow them to continue sailing,” said the French authority.