Overview

• A migrant boat carrying nearly 50 people sank in the English Channel, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, including a 40-day-old infant.
• French authorities launched a rescue operation after spotting a life jacket, rescuing 46 people while continuing to search for others possibly lost at sea.
• The year 2024 has seen a significant increase in fatalities during Channel crossings, with at least 55 confirmed deaths so far, according to the UN's International Organisation for Migration.
• Authorities highlight the increasing danger of these crossings due to overcrowded and unsuitable boats, often carrying triple the intended capacity.
• Calls for safer migration routes intensify as governments face criticism over their handling of the crisis and efforts to dismantle people-smuggling networks.