A boat carrying nearly 70 migrants capsized in the English Channel off the northern coast of France on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, resulting in at least 12 deaths. The incident, which occurred about three miles off the coast of Cap Gris-Nez near Boulogne-sur-Mer in the Pas-de-Calais region, marks the deadliest migrant accident in the Channel this year.
French authorities reported that emergency crews managed to rescue 53 people from the water, with several in critical condition requiring urgent medical attention. The local prosecutor’s office stated that 10 of the 12 victims were women; six children and a pregnant woman were among those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin blamed smugglers for the unsafe conditions, revealing that “less than eight people had a life jacket” on board the vessel. He added, “They were undoubtedly looking for a better world in Great Britain.”
The boat, described as frail and small at less than 23 feet long, was reportedly overloaded. Officials believe its bottom “ripped open” during the journey, leading to the catastrophic capsizing. Most of the migrants on board were believed to be from Eritrea, in East Africa, reflecting the diverse origins of those attempting the dangerous Channel crossing.
This incident is part of a growing trend of migrants attempting to reach the United Kingdom via small boats across the English Channel. Since 2018, more than 135,000 people have made this perilous journey. In 2024 alone, over 21,000 individuals have crossed the Channel, surpassing the numbers from the same period in the previous year.
The English Channel, one of the busiest maritime sectors in the world with more than 600 merchant ships passing through it daily, poses significant risks for these crossings. Difficult weather conditions and heavy traffic make the journey particularly treacherous for small, overcrowded vessels.
The issue of Channel crossings has become a major political challenge for both the UK and France. The current UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has vowed to take tougher measures against people-smuggling gangs. However, critics argue that these efforts alone are insufficient to address the root causes of the crisis.
French authorities claim to be preventing 60% of small boat departures, but smugglers have adapted by cramming more people onto vessels that previously carried fewer passengers. This overcrowding has led to deadlier shipwrecks and increased risks for those attempting the crossing.
The nationalities of those attempting Channel crossings are diverse. According to Britain’s Home Office, nationals from Afghanistan, Iran, Vietnam, Turkey, and Syria made up more than half of the individuals crossing the English Channel in small boats during the 12-month period ending in June 2024.
Human rights organizations stress that many of those attempting the crossing are seeking asylum in the United Kingdom. The Refugee Council, a British charity working with refugees, has called for a comprehensive approach to reduce dangerous Channel crossings. They emphasize the need for improved and expanded safe routes for those seeking refuge.