Two Sudanese women died while attempting to cross the English Channel from France, according to multiple reports. The incident occurred early Sunday morning when a boat carrying around 82 people ran aground on the beach of Neufchâtel-Hardelot near Boulogne-sur-Mer. One victim was identified as a 16-year-old girl and the other as a woman in her 20s.
Key Takeaways
Two Sudanese women died while attempting to cross the English Channel from France in a small boat carrying around 82 people. One was a 16-year-old girl, and the other was believed to be in her 20s. Three others are critically injured.
- Two Sudanese women die trying to cross the Channel
- Boat with 82 migrants runs aground on French beach
- Three survivors in critical condition due to burns
- Death toll this year rises to at least eight
- UK-France deal aims to stop small boats and prevent loss of life
The victims were found dead inside the boat, according to Christophe Marx, secretary-general of the Pas-de-Calais prefecture. Three survivors are reported to be in critical condition due to burns caused by engine fuels mixed with seawater. Fourteen others sustained less severe injuries, with five taken to hospital.
According to The Guardian, a major rescue operation was launched when dozens tried to scramble onto the dinghy, described as a taxi boat. Seventeen people were rescued at sea and taken to Boulogne-sur-Mer, while 65 remained onboard until the boat ran aground. The fatalities occurred after the engine failed and the boat began drifting.
The deaths bring this year's toll to at least eight, including two deaths a month ago and four more three weeks prior. At least 29 people died trying to cross the Channel last year. This incident raises questions about the recent £662 million UK-France deal aimed at stopping small boats from crossing the Channel.
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