A Child and Two Women Die in English Channel Crossing
At a Glance
- A 10-year-old child and two women died during a channel crossing.
- French authorities said more than 100 people were aboard the boat.
- Initial findings indicated the deaths may have resulted from a stampede.
- Nine other passengers required medical treatment.
A 10-year-old child and two women died Monday while attempting to cross the English Channel from France on an overcrowded migrant boat, French authorities said.
Key Statements and Focus Area
- Initial Findings: “It appears the deaths were caused by a stampede.” — Regional government.
- Investigation: “The precise circumstances of the tragedy will, however, have to be established by the judicial investigation.” — Regional government.
- Focus Area: French authorities are investigating the deaths aboard an overcrowded boat attempting to reach the United Kingdom.
The inflatable boat, described by French authorities as a “taxi boat,” encountered difficulties off the northern French coast after passengers called for assistance.
A French maritime rescue vessel took 105 people aboard, according to the maritime prefecture. An intensive care medical team was transported by helicopter to the vessel and declared the three passengers dead.
The two women were believed to be in their 30s, according to the regional government. Nine other passengers received medical treatment following the incident. The judicial investigation is being led by a prosecutor in Boulogne, a northern French port city, to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
FYI
Small inflatable boats frequently attempt the crossing after departing from beaches along France’s northern coast, where migrants enter the water to board vessels bound for Britain.
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