Dunkirk, France – A tragic incident unfolded as a small boat carrying 16 migrants capsized in northern France, resulting in the death of a seven-year-old girl. The boat, deemed insufficient for the number of occupants, sank just a few kilometers off the coast of Dunkirk. Authorities stated that the vessel was not equipped to safely transport so many people, leading to the devastating outcome.
The young girl’s parents, accompanied by three other children, were rescued and taken to a hospital in Dunkirk. Authorities confirmed that the boat was likely stolen and highlighted the overcrowded conditions that contributed to the accident. The Prefect of Nord revealed that a walker alerted police and firefighters to the capsized boat, prompting a swift response to the emergency situation.
Tragically, the seven-year-old daughter of a couple onboard the vessel lost her life in the incident. However, two men and six young children were fortunate to escape with injuries that were not life-threatening. In the aftermath, prosecutors in Dunkirk disclosed that several individuals were in custody in connection with the tragedy.
This heartbreaking event adds to a recent string of migrant-related fatalities in the region, with three individuals losing their lives just days prior while attempting to cross the English Channel. The Home Office reports a significant influx of over 2,000 migrants arriving in the UK this year, underscoring the ongoing challenges and risks faced by individuals seeking refuge or a better life through perilous journeys across treacherous waters.