The number of migrant deaths crossing the English Channel has tragically increased sixfold in 2024 compared to the previous year, reaching a record high. This surge is attributed to smugglers employing riskier tactics, utilizing flimsy boats with inadequate safety equipment in pursuit of higher profits.
The number of migrants dying while crossing the Channel has risen sixfold as callous smugglers adopt even riskier tactics in a bid to maximise profits. At least 77 people perished on the perilous sea route in 2024 compared to 12 in 2023, according to French officials - making it the worst year on record as overall crossings rose by a quarter. Campaigners have urged the UK Government to publish data on migrant deaths as it currently does not confirm any figures.
Evidence points to migrants crossing on increasingly dangerous boats with little or no safety equipment. An average of 53 people arrived in each dinghy last year compared to 49 in 2023 and 41 in 2022. Sturdier, rigid-hulled vessels with proper engines have almost entirely been phased out by gangs in favour of bigger, flimsier craft described by one senior police official as 'little more than a paddling pool'. Migrants are often being handed poor quality lifejackets, including ones that do not work in deep water or are designed for children. One group was seen holding rubber rings. Another factor that is believed to be driving the rise in deaths is the use of riskier crossing routes, with smugglers leaving from a wider area of the French coast to try and avoid patrols. The Refugee Council said last night that ministers seem to have 'accepted that enforcement action against the smuggling gangs has made the journeys more dangerous'. Last year, the National Crime Agency seized a haul of lifejackets which were not designed for use in deep wate
MIGRANT DEATHS ENGLISH CHANNEL SMUGGLING RISKY CROSSINGS SAFETY EQUIPMENT
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Channel migrant smugglers: 'We have to hit them hard'Belgian police are cracking down on smugglers before boats and migrants reach the French coast.
Read more »
UK records busiest December day on record for Channel migrant crossingsHome Office figures show 609 people made the journey across the Channel in nine boats on Thursday - the first crossings for eight days.
Read more »
UK Sees 150,000+ Migrant Crossings via English Channel Since 2018The UK has seen over 150,000 migrant arrivals via small boat crossings across the English Channel since 2018. The figure was reached on Boxing Day, prompting discussions on government policies to address this growing trend.
Read more »
Child Fears Missing After Migrant Boat Tragedy in English ChannelAt least three migrants died and a child is feared missing after an overloaded boat attempting to cross the English Channel to the UK capsized. A large-scale rescue operation was launched in Sangatte, northern France, with dozens of migrants taken into care. Authorities warn the death toll may rise as investigations into the tragedy continue.
Read more »
Migrant Boat Tragedy in the Channel: Three Dead, Child MissingAt least three migrants died and a child is feared missing after an overcrowded boat capsized in the English Channel while attempting to reach the UK. A large-scale rescue operation was launched in Sangatte, France, with several survivors brought ashore in a critical condition.
Read more »
Child Feared Missing After Migrant Boat Tragedy in English ChannelAt least three migrants lost their lives, and a child is missing, after an overcrowded boat attempting to cross the English Channel to the UK capsized off the coast of France. Rescue efforts are underway, with survivors taken to shore and hospitalized.
Read more »