Migrant dies after deflating dinghy leaves asylum seekers scrambling in another Channel crossing tragedy
The migrant died at the scene after emergency services tried to save him
PA
A migrant has died after a dinghy carrying a group of migrants deflated in yet another Channel crossing tragedy this morning.
Emergency services rushed to help the man, who was described as being in his 40s, but he died at the scene, according to French authorities.
The boat left a town called Tardinghen in northern France at around 5.30am when the boat began to deflate, causing those on board to swim back to shore.
French authorities claimed that several illegal crossings were stopped by police this morning across the cities of Calais, Sangatte and Equihen-Plage.
French authorities claimed that several illegal crossings were stopped by police this morning across the cities of Calais, Sangatte and Equihen-Plage
PA
This tragedy has followed the news that the number of illegal small boat crossings over the English Channel has surpassed the the total recorded throughout the entirety of 2023.
Since the start of this year, it is estimated that 29,578 migrants have made the treacherous journey to UK shores so far, while last year's total was 29,437.
Around 424 migrants made that same fateful journey last Friday, according to data provided by the Home Office.
Thirty-five of the individuals were rescued and taken to Calais, while another rescue mission was conducted the day before, when the group aboard encountered difficulties during the illegal journey.
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Last Wednesday, three died while others managed to be rescued by authorities when their vessel sank, following the tragic death of a baby after the boat capsized in similar circumstances last week.
Ever since the current Government scrapped the Conservatives' Rwanda scheme, they have doubled-down on their vow to "smash the smugglers" by providing financial support to French authorities to disrupt ingrained, illegal pathways to smuggle people across the border by intercepting illegal journeys between France and the UK.
Criticising the Government's move, the UK representative for the International Organisation for Migration Christa Rottensteiner said: “These deaths are preventable – more safe and regular routes are urgently needed to prevent further tragedies while addressing the root causes of irregular migration.”
Leader of Reform UK Nigel Farage is amongst critics of the Labour Party when it comes to the handling of the ever-growing migrant crisis, accusing the French of "aiding and abetting" people-smuggling gangs.
Last Wednesday, three died while others managed to be rescued by authorities when their vessel sank, following the death of a baby when the boat capsized in similar circumstances last week (Stock)
PAThis morning, deputy leader Richard Tice has asserted that Reform UK's policy of returning migrants to the shores of France might surmount to a "friendly stand-off" between the two nations, telling Sky: “It’s very simple.
"The Government’s policy of smashing the gangs is clearly not working, and sadly people are literally dying… The only way to stop the boats is a variant of what Australia did."
He insisted that the UK is "legally entitled to do this", referring to the UK picking up migrants to return them to the northern shores of France.
Responding to a hypothetical scenario where the French authorities do not comply with such action, Tice said: “Well then we’ve got a stand-off… I’m not saying go to war but you can have a friendly stand-off with friends. It’s the only way you’re going to stop the deaths.
"Ours is the kind and compassionate policy.”
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