10-month-old baby critical after migrant boat disaster in Channel

A tragic incident occurred over the weekend when a boat carrying migrants capsized while attempting to cross the English Channel from France to the UK. French maritime officials reported that the boat was in distress near Ambleteuse, prompting a rescue operation. Despite the efforts, eight individuals lost their lives, and six others, including a 10-month-old baby, were hospitalized due to the emergency. The baby is currently in critical condition, suffering from hypothermia. The survivors of this disaster hailed from various countries, including Eritrea, Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan, Egypt, and Iran. This incident marks the second deadly event in a short span, following another tragedy where 12 migrants drowned in a similar crossing attempt. The ongoing perilous journeys undertaken by migrants highlight the desperate circumstances they face. Authorities have expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life, with officials emphasizing the need for urgent action to address the ongoing crisis. Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the situation as 'awful,' reflecting the broader humanitarian concerns surrounding migrant crossings in the Channel. Emergency workers noted that despite the recent tragedies, boats continued to depart from the French coast, indicating a persistent and dangerous trend. The Regional Operational Centre for Surveillance and Rescue reported numerous attempts by migrant groups to reach the UK shores, underscoring the urgency and desperation driving these crossings. The situation calls for a comprehensive response to prevent further loss of life and to address the underlying issues prompting such perilous journeys.