- At least ten migrants died on Tuesday when their boat capsized while crossing the Channel from France to Britain.
- At least ten people were left in critical condition, according to a French coast guard official.
- French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin is expected to visit the scene near Boulogne-sur-Mer later in the day.
At least ten migrants died on Tuesday after the ship they were on capsized while crossing the Channel from France to Britain, La Voix du Nord newspaper reported, with a major operation underway to rescue over 50 people.
A spokesperson for the French coast guard said earlier that 10 people were in a critical condition.
The British Coast Guard did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
UK, FRANCE SIGN DEAL IN TRY TO STOP MIGRANTS CROSSING ENGLISH CHANNEL
In a sign of the seriousness of the situation, CNews television said outgoing French interior minister Gerald Darmanin was expected at the scene, near the town of Boulogne-sur-Mer, later in the afternoon.
A small boat packed with migrants is rescued in the English Channel on November 13, 2022. At least 10 migrants died on Tuesday after the vessel they were in capsized en route across the Channel from France to Britain, La Voix du Nord newspaper reported, with a major operation on time to save over 50 people. (Andrew Aitchison / In images via Getty Images)
Tackling illegal immigration has been a priority for both the UK and French governments. More than 2,000 people have arrived in Britain on small boats in the past seven days, according to British government figures.
Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged to work more closely together to crack down on migrant smuggling routes.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The canal is one of the world’s busiest waterways and the currents are strong, making the passage by small boats dangerous. In August, two people were found dead after a boat carrying migrants trying to cross the channel ran into difficulties.