Amidst the controversial approval of the UK’s migrant deportation bill, at least five individuals have tragically lost their lives while attempting to cross the perilous English Channel. The bodies were discovered at the Wimereaux beach in northern France on Tuesday, with rescue operations involving helicopters and boats currently underway. Approximately 100 migrants have been rescued and are being transported to the port of Boulogne aboard a French navy ship. This incident casts a shadow over the UK government’s plans to deport illegal migrants to Rwanda as a deterrent. Human rights organizations have condemned the legislation as inhumane, while both the United Nations refugee agency and the Council of Europe have urged the UK to reconsider its approach. The English Channel remains a treacherous passage for migrants, with drownings and sinking being common occurrences. Despite these risks, an estimated 30,000 individuals attempted the crossing in 2023, according to UK government figures.