At least four individuals, including a two-year-old child, lost their lives during two separate attempts to cross the English Channel on overcrowded boats, French officials reported. The tragedy prompted French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau to condemn the smugglers responsible for organizing these perilous journeys, vowing to intensify efforts to combat these criminal gangs.
The incidents involved a toddler who was crushed to death and three adults who perished while attempting to reach British shores in overcrowded dinghies. The victims were found in boats that experienced engine failure off the coast of Calais, leading to panic and scramble for rescue.
British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed her shock and horror at the loss of lives, emphasizing the need for increased cooperation between France and the UK to dismantle these criminal smuggling networks. The recent tragedies bring the total number of migrant deaths attempting to cross the Channel this year to 51.
The surge in undocumented migrant crossings from France to England has led to a growing concern for both governments, with pledges to crack down on criminal gangs and enforce stricter immigration policies. The issue has become a focal point for political debates in both countries, with promises of increased deportations and tougher measures to prevent further loss of lives at sea.
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