At least 12 migrants die after boat capsizes off France

At least 12 migrants have died after their boat capsized on its way across the Channel to the United Kingdom, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin says, adding that rescue operations are underway to find two people still missing.

In a sign of the severity of the situation, Darmanin said he would travel to the site, near the town of Boulogne-sur-Mer where a first aid post was set up to treat victims, later on Tuesday afternoon.

A mayor of a French coastal town near Boulogne-sur-Mer said 13 migrants had died after their boat ripped apart on Tuesday during an attempted crossing of the Channel.

"Unfortunately, the bottom of the boat ripped open," Le Portel mayor Olivier Barbarin said.

Dozens of people plunged into the treacherous waters of the busy channel, he said.

Tackling illegal immigration has been a priority for both the UK and French governments.

More than 2000 people have arrived in the UK on small boats over the past seven days, according to UK government figures.

Terrible naufrage dans le Pas-de-Calais, au large de Wimereux. Le bilan provisoire s'élève à 12 personnes décédées, 2 disparus et plusieurs blessés. Tous les services de l'État sont mobilisés pour retrouver les disparus et prendre en charge les victimes. Je me rends auprès des…— Gérald DARMANIN (@GDarmanin) September 3, 2024

Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged to work closer together to dismantle migrant smuggling routes.

The Channel is one of the world's busiest shipping lanes and currents are strong, making the crossing on small boats dangerous.

In August, two people were found dead after a boat carrying migrants trying to cross the Channel ran into difficulties.

with AP