Authorities initiated a rescue mission after receiving reports of a small boat in troubled waters between France and the United Kingdom
A small boat carrying migrants capsized in the middle of the English Channel, killing four migrants. According to a report by the Associated Press on Wednesday, December 14, the incident took place at 3 am in one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.
Rescue operations were conducted after authorities received reports about a small boat that was said to be struggling in the waters, between Britain and France. Helicopters and lifeboats were rushed in from the bases in southern England in the dark to locate the boat.
According to government estimates, cited by Britain’s Press Association, over 43 people were rescued during the operation. The report also said that 30 of the migrants rescued were found floating in the water, adding that it was unclear if any more people are missing.
An official statement in the report by the U.K. government called the incident “”truly tragic”, adding, “Investigations are ongoing, and we will provide further information in due course″.
The report said, the British government has been under immerse pressure to stop such instances illegal crossing through the English Channel. Migrants are reportedly charged thousands of dollars by smugglers, who put their lives in danger, by making them cross the channel on flimsy inflatable boats.
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