Over 26,000 migrants have landed on British shores since January 1, according to data from the UK Home Office.
A baby died, and 65 others persons were rescued after an overloaded migrant dinghy headed for the UK from France capsized and sank on Thursday night.
French maritime authorities managed to save the survivors, but the baby, found unconscious, was later declared dead, AFP reports.
This tragic incident marks 2024 as the deadliest year since 2018 for migrants attempting the dangerous English Channel crossing.
The accident occurred near the French town of Wissant, according to the maritime authority overseeing the Channel and the North Sea.
They stated, “65 people were rescued but a baby was found unconscious and sadly declared dead.”
This latest tragedy brings the total number of migrants who have died while trying to cross the Channel in 2024 to at least 52, setting a grim record not seen in six years.
On September 3, twelve migrants – six children and six adults – lost their lives. Just a month later, a two-year-old boy and three adults also perished in similar incidents involving overloaded boats.
British figures show that the number of migrants arriving in boats averaged 53 this year, a significant increase compared to 13 in 2020.
Over 26,000 migrants have landed on British shores since January 1, according to data from the UK Home Office.
Follow the Sahara Reporters channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaFClvtH5JM6SSsP7M2Y