Three migrants drown in English Channel after overcrowded dingy sinks

Three migrants have been found dead after a small boat attempted to make a Channel crossing on Wednesday. The dingy, which was designed to hold 12, was found transporting 48 people. There have now been 55 deaths caused by illegal people smuggling in 2024 and Care4Calais is calling on the Government to act

At least three UK-bound migrants died on Wednesday when a small boat carrying 48 people sank in the English Channel. Two were found unconscious after being taken directly on to a rescue boat soon after 8am, while a third was spotted by ferry crew some three hours later.

Some 45 people were rescued and those brought ashore were looked after in a secure area of Calais port, with survivors treated for conditions including hypothermia.

It means that since the beginning of the year, 55 people have died while attempting to cross to England on makeshift boats organised by people smugglers. The Minck, a rescue boat based in Calais, was on the scene within minutes of the boat getting into difficulty some two miles off the beach at Sangatte, where it was launched.

‘Among 48 people taken aboard the Minck, two were unconscious,’ said the emergency services spokesman. Efforts were made to revive them, but they were declared dead,’ the spokesman added.

A man was then spotted at sea by the Irish ferry, Oscar Wilde, and the migrant was hoisted onto a French Navy helicopter before being declared dead.The stricken boat – a flimsy rubber dinghy – appeared to be designed for around 12 people maximum, said the source.

A criminal enquiry was launched last Friday after a baby died on an overcrowded boat full of UK-bound migrants. The child was found among 65 rescued from a dinghy off the coast at Wissant, close to Calais. Earlier this month, on October 5, a two-year-old child was among four people who died after being ‘trampled’ at the bottom of a similar boat.

Steve Smith, CEO of refugee charity Care4Calais, blasted Labour for its response since gaining power, saying: “To witness the increasing regularity in which people are losing their lives on our border, and not to introduce safe routes in response would be a clear signal that the UK may have a new Government, but just like the last one they don’t value the lives of the men, women and children who are seeking sanctuary in the UK as equals.

“We are devastated that people fleeing war, torture and persecution are losing their lives attempting to find safety in the UK. The question is, does our Government feel as devastated or are they willing to continue overseeing a record number of deaths on our border?”

A Labour spokesperson said it was a “devastating tragedy” and a further reminder that “people-smuggling gangs only care about the profits they make, not about the lives they put at risk. We will stop at nothing to dismantle their business models and bring them to justice,” they added.

“Our new Border Security Command will strengthen our global partnerships and enhance our efforts to investigate, arrest, and prosecute these evil criminals.”