At least five people have lost their lives while attempting to cross the English Channel, hours after the UK Parliament approved a controversial migrant deportation bill. The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday at Wimereaux beach in northern France, where the bodies were discovered.
A rescue operation is underway, with helicopters and boats deployed, and approximately 100 migrants have been rescued and taken aboard a French navy ship. They will be taken to the port of Boulogne.
This incident comes just hours after the UK government’s plan to deport some illegally entering the country to Rwanda received parliamentary approval. The legislation aims to deter migrants from risking their lives in leaky, inflatable boats in hopes of claiming asylum in Britain.
However, human rights groups have condemned the legislation as inhumane and cruel. Both the United Nations refugee agency and the Council of Europe called on the UK Tuesday to rethink its plans as they could damage international cooperation on tackling the global migrant crisis.
Migrants attempting to cross the busy English Channel often face deadly incidents, including drownings and sinking, due to crowded boats. An estimated 30,000 people made the crossing in 2023, according to UK government figures.
Five Dead in English Channel Crossings After UK Migration Bill Approval
