Channel Crossing Tragedy: Five Migrants Perish En Route to UK Amid Controversial New Bill
April 23, 2024
A tragic incident in the English Channel resulted in the death of five migrants, including a child, as their overloaded inflatable boat experienced engine failure.
The boat carried 112 people, many times over its safe capacity, highlighting the risks taken by migrants and the profits for smugglers, who charge around 2,000 to 2,500 euros per person.
The UK Parliament recently passed a controversial bill allowing for the deportation of illegal migrants to Rwanda, intended to stop such dangerous crossings.
Humanitarian groups and critics, including the Council of Europe and the UN, have condemned the Rwanda deportation plan and are calling for safer routes to the UK.
Despite the tragedy and opposition to the new policy, migrants continue to attempt the perilous journey to Britain, with 57 people pressing on after the boat was repaired.
The incident has prompted an investigation by the public prosecutor of Boulogne, and it underscores the ongoing debates around immigration policies and the need for safe solutions.
Summary based on 31 sources
Get a daily email with more World News stories
Sources

The New York Times • Apr 23, 2024
At Least 5 Die Trying to Cross English Channel, Including a Young Girl
The Guardian • Apr 23, 2024
Humanitarian groups demand safe routes to UK after five deaths in Channel
Time • Apr 23, 2024
UK’s Rwanda Deportation Plan for Asylum Seekers Passes
Yahoo News • Apr 23, 2024
Migrants drown in English Channel hours after UK passes Rwanda policy