Channel migrants died after rigid base of boat removed by people smugglers, investigation finds
The vessel reportedly ripped from the middle (file pic)
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Investigators looking into the tragic deaths of 12 people who died on a migrant boat believe the vessel sank after the rigid base at the bottom of the vessel was removed.
The six children and pregnant woman who were among 12 fatalities when a migrant boat capsized on Tuesday reportedly drowned while still inside the craft.
According to senior sources familiar with the latest findings, the rigid base of the seven-metre dinghy had been taken out by people smugglers, a growing trend of recent boat crossings.
The men were ordered to sit on the inflatable tubes, while women and children were told to sit in the middle of the boat.
The vessel reportedly ripped from the middle (file pic)
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Only eight of the 70 on board were wearing lifejackets and all of them were taken by men sitting on the inflatable sides.
The vessel hit troubles when the swell of the sea sent water flowing into the middle of the boat, adding to the considerable weight and pushing it down under the water.
According to the latest theory of the French authorities investigating the tragedy, as the vessel began to sink, those sitting in the middle of the boat were pushed downwards with nothing to hold on to.
As there was no rigid base, the middle of the boat ripped apart. Those caught in the middle drowned because they could not physically hoist themselves over the inflatable sides as they were being pulled downwards.
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A source familiar with the investigation’s latest findings told The Times: "They didn’t drown because they couldn’t swim, they drowned because they’re inside the boat, on the floor of the boat, which is made out of softer material and they’ve taken the rigid part of the boat out."
Most of the 12 migrants who died were from Eritrea, one of the main source nations of migrants who cross the Channel in small boats.
Specialist on the region at the Human Rights Watch organisation Laetitia Bader said: "There can be no doubt that given the dire situation in Eritrea and the Horn [of Africa] more broadly, there is an urgent need for the new UK Government to open safe and regular routes for Eritreans and others to travel safely to the UK, which will save lives, and ensure they access protection."
However, Angela Eagle, the UK’s immigration and borders minister, said the Government was not considering expanding safe and legal routes, adding: "We have to get control of our borders. We cannot look the other way while people-smuggling gangs are trading in human misery, putting people’s lives at risk, all to make colossal profits."
Sir Keir Starmer
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Sir Keir Starmer has said he is "absolutely convinced" that disrupting criminal gangs bringing people across the English Channel in small boats is the way to tackle the migrant crisis.
The Prime Minister has faced criticism from his political opponents for diverting efforts to tackle unauthorised migration away from deterrents like the Rwanda plan.
But speaking after a summit on small boats chaired by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, Sir Keir was adamant that the Government’s new approach was the correct one.
Sir Keir told the BBC the priority "has to be on taking down the gangs that are exploiting vulnerable people, including children", following the summit.