Paris: Boat overturned while crossing the English Channel, one person died; More than 50 people were rescued
At least one person has died and more than 50 have been rescued after a migrant boat capsized while crossing the English Channel. In the last five years, the number of small boats crossing the English Channel has exceeded 100,000. The Channel is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world and has strong currents.
A migrant boat trying to cross the Channel from France suddenly capsized on Saturday, killing one person. The local maritime province said that during this time about 50 people have also been rescued.
Local mayor Frank Dersin said a massive rescue operation was launched at 6:00 am, as dozens of boats attempted the crossing at the same time when the accident occurred.
France's maritime province of the Channel and North Sea said, "During this time, about fifty people have been rescued. The condition of six of the rescued people is said to be very serious. One of them was taken by helicopter to Calais Hospital. where he was declared brought dead."
HM Coast Guard said it was assisting the French authorities in their response to the incident involving the small boat. A Dover RNLI lifeboat has been dispatched as part of that assistance, along with Folkestone and Langdon Bay Coast Guard rescue teams, he said. The UK Coastguard is also working with the South East Coast Ambulance Service.
In the last five years, the number of people crossing the English Channel in small boats has exceeded 100,000. The Channel is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world and has strong currents.
