At least 13 people, including three children, have lost their lives after a boat carrying up to 70 migrants capsized in the English Channel.
A major rescue operation is underway to recover survivors after the inflatable vessel encountered difficulties off the coast of France.
The French coast guard initially reported that 10 individuals were in critical condition following the incident.
Rescue teams were dispatched near Le Portel, a town with about 9,000 residents, shortly after 11:30 a.m.
Olivier Barbarin, the mayor of Le Portel near Boulogne-sur-Mer, where the injured are being treated, described the situation as a significant tragedy, stating, “Unfortunately, the bottom of the boat ripped open. It’s a big drama.”
According to France 3, Barbarin mentioned that “around 10 people were in cardio-respiratory arrest.”
Some survivors were taken to Boulogne-sur-Mer, while others were airlifted to Le Portel.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, and a French emergency services spokesman confirmed that the incident occurred early on Tuesday.
“The boat, overcrowded with about 70 migrants, sank early today,” the spokesman said. “A Navy helicopter is transporting victims in critical condition. Some seem to have suffocated. Around 10 fatalities have been reported.”
Additional victims were transported to Bassin Loubet in Boulogne-sur-Mer via a semi-rigid boat.
The mayor of Le Portel, Olivier Barbarin, has closed the beach near the former hoverport to facilitate helicopter landings.
Frédéric Cuvillier, the mayor of Boulogne-sur-Mer, remarked on social media, “Another tragedy related to the migration situation has occurred on our shores. A boat carrying nearly 70 people sank off our coast. The toll, while not yet finalized, is heavy with more than 10 dead and others in critical condition.”
