A tragic incident occurred off the coast of Dunkirk, France, where a small boat, overloaded with 16 migrants, capsized while attempting to navigate the English Channel. Among the victims was a seven-year-old girl who tragically lost her life in the accident.
Details of the Capsizing
The local authorities reported that the vessel was ill-equipped for the journey, being too small to safely carry the number of individuals on board. The tragedy unfolded a few kilometers from Dunkirk’s shoreline, prompting immediate response from emergency services.
Family Among the Victims
The boat carried a family, including the seven-year-old victim, her parents, and three siblings. The parents, along with their other children, one of whom is expected, were urgently transported to a hospital in Dunkirk for medical attention.
Response and Investigation
Alerted by a passerby, police and firefighting units were swiftly deployed to the scene. Preliminary investigations suggest that the boat might have been stolen, contributing to the perilous conditions that led to the capsizing. While two men and six young children were also hospitalized, their injuries were not deemed life-threatening.
This heart-wrenching event underscores the ongoing risks faced by migrants attempting to cross treacherous waters in search of safety and a better life.
Also learn about Tragedy in the Channel: Six Lives Lost in Migrant Boat Capsize.
