Two female Sudanese asylum seekers have died attempting to cross the English Channel in the early hours of Sunday morning, off the coast of Boulogne. One victim was a 16-year-old girl and the other a woman in her 20s, according to reports. They were found dead inside a boat carrying approximately 82 people that ran aground on the beach of Neufchâtel-Hardelot.
Christophe Marx, secretary general of the Pas-de-Calais Prefecture, confirmed the deaths. Three survivors are in a critical condition with burns from a mixture of engine fuel and seawater, while 14 others sustained less severe injuries, five of whom were hospitalised. A major rescue operation was launched after the engine failed and the boat began to drift.
A judicial investigation has been opened by the Boulogne-sur-Mer public prosecutor’s office. The deaths bring the Channel crossing death toll this year to at least eight, following two fatalities a month ago and four three weeks ago. At least 29 people died attempting the crossing last year.
The incident raises questions about the latest UK-France deal, under which Britain is paying £662 million to stop small boat crossings. French authorities have stated they do not force overcrowded boats to board rescue vessels due to the risk of shipwreck. Over 550 people have crossed the Channel this weekend, with 325 crossing on Saturday alone.
An open letter from over 70 refugee NGOs, including Médecins Sans Frontières, has called for a public inquiry into UK spending on border measures. A Home Office spokesperson expressed deep sadness, stating: “Every death in the Channel is a tragedy and a stark reminder of the dangers posed by criminal gangs.”
