One killed, dozens rescued as migrant boat capsizes in English channel

A tragic incident unfolded in the English Channel overnight as an overloaded migrant boat disintegrated during an attempted crossing, leaving one person dead and 61 others rescued, News360 Nigeria reports.

According to French maritime authorities, the vessel collapsed in the water, triggering a large-scale rescue operation coordinated by the Maritime Prefect of the Channel and the North Sea.

The emergency response involved both French and British rescue teams, highlighting the continued risks faced by migrants attempting to cross the treacherous waters between continental Europe and the UK.

Among those rescued were a mother and her child, both suffering from severe hypothermia.

They were quickly airlifted to a nearby hospital by helicopter for urgent medical attention.

The remaining survivors were transported to Boulogne-sur-Mer, a port city located just south of Calais, where they received care and support.

The incident serves as yet another grim reminder of the perils faced by those seeking refuge or better opportunities across borders.

As crossings continue despite heightened patrols and worsening sea conditions, humanitarian organizations are once again calling for more comprehensive and humane migration solutions.

The French rescue tug Abeille Normandie launched three speedboats to retrieve 50 people from the water.

An additional 11 were rescued by British crews—two by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and nine by the UK Border Force vessel Ranger. All were eventually brought aboard the French tug.

A French Navy helicopter later spotted an unconscious person in the sea. The individual was retrieved by the RNLI and taken to the Abeille Normandie, where they were declared dead by the medical team onboard.

The United Kingdom government confirmed the fatality and expressed condolences. “We can confirm there has been a tragic incident in the Channel involving a small boat in French waters, which has resulted in the loss of one life.

“This latest tragedy underlines the terrible dangers of small boat crossings, and we continue to do everything we can to prevent callous criminals exploiting vulnerable people. Our thoughts are with those affected,” a spokesperson said, adding that efforts to prevent human smuggling continue.

The incident occurred amid a surge in Channel crossings. Over 12,000 people have arrived in the UK by small boats this year, including more than 1,100 in the past week alone.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer recently vowed to dismantle smuggling networks, while Prime Minister Rishi Sunak warned of growing immigration pressures and pledged to reduce net migration by 2029.