More than 600 people made the perilous crossing of the English Channel in small boats just a day after a tragic incident where a baby lost its life on the journey. The Home Office has reported that 647 individuals undertook the crossing in 10 separate boats, pushing the total number of crossings for the year above 28,000.
These latest crossings occurred following the French authorities’ announcement of the heartbreaking death of a baby off the coast of Wissant in the Pas-de-Calais region on the previous day. This incident marked the 45th reported death by French coastguards this year, raising concerns among refugee charities about the increasing danger of Channel crossings.
Enver Solomon, Chief Executive of the Refugee Council, highlighted the urgency of re-evaluating the current approach to these crossings, emphasising that more lives will be lost if the situation remains unchanged. Despite the rising risks associated with the Channel journey, it seems that the dangers have not dissuaded individuals from attempting to reach Kent via this route.
The total number of people undertaking the crossing this year now stands at 28,204, showing an increase of almost 8% compared to the same period last year. However, this number is 25% lower than the peak year of 2022. Since the Labour government took office, 14,630 people have made the crossing, a figure similar to last year’s total and significantly lower than the same period in 2022.
The escalating fatality rate in the Channel underscores the urgent need for a reassessment of strategies to prevent further tragedies at sea. The continuous stream of deaths highlights the pressing need for a more effective and humane approach to managing this humanitarian crisis.
As the number of crossings and casualties continues to rise, community leaders and policymakers are called upon to address the root causes of these perilous journeys and work towards finding sustainable solutions that prioritise human safety and dignity. The need for collective action to prevent further loss of life in the Channel has never been more crucial.