Three individuals, including two children, are believed to have tragically perished on a migrant-carrying boat in the English Channel. French authorities confirmed the deaths off the coast of Pas-de-Calais, with the regional prosecutor, Laurent Touvet, disclosing the distressing news during a press briefing. The prosecutor indicated that the victims likely met their demise due to being crushed at the vessel’s base, which was carrying a total of 38 individuals. Blame was placed on smugglers for the harrowing fatalities.
The deceased bodies were recovered ashore at approximately 5 a.m. on Wednesday. The prosecutor’s office posted a statement, reporting the recent tragic incident and mentioning the likelihood of three additional individuals being missing.
The office emphasized that smuggler networks were accountable for these tragic occurrences and stressed the state’s commitment to combatting such activities. Gratitude was extended to various authorities and volunteers for their efforts in assisting those affected by the shipwreck.
Additional reports from French officials indicated that three individuals were unaccounted for in a separate incident that unfolded nearby. Another distressing event involved a third boat encountering difficulties the previous night, as per French media sources.
Recent revelations to MPs highlighted the disturbing tactics employed by smugglers, with Solicitor General Lucy Rigby disclosing that children were being sedated before being placed on perilous boat journeys across the English Channel. This unsettling method was described as a means to ensure compliance during the dangerous crossings.
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