On October 23, 2024, three migrants tragically lost their lives while attempting to cross the English Channel from France to the UK. Their overcrowded inflatable boat capsized just two kilometers off the coast of Calais. Despite efforts to save all onboard, 45 survivors were rescued, but three could not be revived. Thick fog made the rescue operation difficult, but French rescue teams, supported by an Irish Ferries passenger ship, managed to assist. One victim was airlifted to a hospital by helicopter, but all three were later pronounced dead after being recovered from the water.
This deadly incident is part of a broader pattern of dangerous migrant crossings in the English Channel. The number of deaths this year has reached 52, making 2024 the deadliest year since these crossings surged in 2018. In comparison, 16 people died or went missing in 2023, and five in 2022.
In 2023, the UK pledged over €500 million to France to help prevent illegal crossings, leading to even more aggressive law enforcement.
These strict border measures have forced migrants into more dangerous crossings, with overcrowded and unseaworthy boats frequently used by smugglers. The current and 2021 disaster, which saw 27 migrants die after a delay in rescue efforts, underscores the urgent need for safer alternatives and better cooperation between France and the UK to prevent further tragedies.
