At Least 12 Migrants Die Trying to Cross English Channel
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin told reporters that at least 12 migrants died Tuesday and two are missing after their boat capsized off the coast of France while trying to cross the English Channel to the UK....
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Facts
- French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin told reporters that at least 12 migrants died Tuesday and two are missing after their boat capsized off the coast of France while trying to cross the English Channel to the UK.[1]
- The boat, which was carrying dozens of migrants, was first spotted by a French government-operated ship, with the French Navy deployed for a search and rescue mission.[2]
- Before Tuesday's capsizing, 30 migrants had died this year while attempting to cross the Channel, compared to last year's 12. In total, 21,615 have so far made the journey this year, with 2,109 having attempted to in the last week.[3]
- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French Pres. Emmanuel Macron earlier this summer promised more 'cooperation' to stem migrant crossings.[4][2]
- In the year to June 2024, 83% of recorded small boat arrivals were male and, where documented, over 40% were aged between 25 and 39. The top countries of origin were Afghanistan (5.4K), Iran (3.8K), Vietnam (3K), Turkey (2.9K), and Syria (2.8K).[5]
Sources: [1]Reuters, [2]Barrons, [3]Le Monde.fr, [4]Sky News and [5]BBC News.
Narratives
- Left narrative, as provided by Opendemocracy and Refugee Council. The British government is to blame for this tragedy. For years, it has responded to reports of migrant deaths with calls for tougher border security, resulting in asylum seekers taking more dangerous boat journeys. Those fleeing war and persecution will continue to attempt these trips, and it's up to French and British authorities to adopt policies that prevent these disasters.
- Right narrative, as provided by Europeanconservative. While terrible, these tragedies on the open seas garner too much of a percentage of media attention compared to crimes being committed by migrants flocking to the UK without regard for immigration laws or whether they'll be able to make a life for themselves. It will always be appropriate for Britain to control its borders by any means necessary.
