Migrant boat runs aground in northern France, leaving 2 dead
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- A migrant boat carrying 82 people from Hardelot beach in northern France ran aground, resulting in two deaths and 16 injuries, including three with serious burns caused by fuel exposure.
- The boat's engine failed overnight, causing it to drift until it ran aground; 17 people were rescued by French maritime authorities, while 65 remained on board when it grounded.
- The two deceased women, likely in their 20s and from Sudan, are believed to have died from suffocation due to overcrowding on the vessel, and an investigation is ongoing.
- This incident marks the third deadly event involving migrants crossing the English Channel in just over a month, highlighting the ongoing risks of these crossings.
- Despite a recent UK-France deal aimed at reducing crossings through increased patrols and surveillance, over 6,000 migrants have reached the UK this year, though this represents a 36% decrease compared to last year.
 { path { fill: %23EEEFE9 } })