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 asylum seekers deflated in the English Channel 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 the coastal town of Tardinghen in northern France at around 5.30am - but soon began to deflate, forcing 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 death follows 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.
In a little under 10 months, it's estimated that 29,578 migrants have made the treacherous journey to British shores so far - beating last year's total of 29,437.
Around 424 migrants made that same journey just last Friday, according to data provided by the Home Office.
Some 35 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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French authorities claimed that several illegal crossings were stopped by police this morning
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Last Wednesday, three died while others managed to be rescued by authorities when their vessel sank, following the death of a baby after the boat capsized in similar circumstances days prior.
Since Labour scrapped the Tories' Rwanda scheme, the party has doubled down on its vow to "smash the gangs" by providing financial support to French authorities to disrupt illegal pathways to smuggle people across the border by intercepting illegal journeys between France and the UK.
But UN bigwigs have still been scathing about Britain's course of action.
The UK representative for the UN-run 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."
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has joined in the criticism - levelling it across the Channel as he accused 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)
PAAnd on Sunday morning, Reform's deputy leader Richard Tice said his party's policy of returning migrants to the shores of France might boil over to a "friendly stand-off" between the two nations.
He told Sky News: “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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