Five asylum seekers died while crossing the English Channel from France to Britain in an overcrowded small boat on Tuesday, reported Al Jazeera. The boat carrying 112 people set out from Wimereux, about 32km (20 miles) southwest of the French port of Calais, to cross one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. Rescuers managed to save 49 people, with four requiring hospitalization, while the rest continued their journey towards Britain. Those dead includes a seven-year-old girl, a woman, and three men.
Challenges Faced During Rescue Operation
Local prefect Jacques Billant described the harrowing situation, stating that the engine failure led to several individuals falling into the water. Despite rescue efforts, 58 people chose to remain on board, refusing assistance from the French coastguard. The survivors eventually restarted the engine and proceeded towards Britain. “A tragedy occurred on a boat overloaded with migrants early this morning. We deplore the deaths of five people, a seven-year-old girl, a woman and three men.”
“The engine stopped a few hundred metres away from the shore, and several people fell into the water,” Billant added.The French coastguard said that 58 people stayed on board and it was still searching for any other survivors, Al Jazeera reported.”They did not want to be rescued. They managed to restart the engine and headed towards Britain,” Billant said.
UK approves bill to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda
This come just hours after the UK government approved a bill to deport some asylum seekers to Rwanda. The legislation, aimed at curbing illegal immigration, has faced opposition and scrutiny for its humanitarian implications.
Reportedly, over 6,000 people have arrived in Britain this year on small, overloaded boats that risk being lashed by waves as they try to reach British shores. The UK government has been trying for two years to get approval for a divisive policy to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, and finally, on Tuesday, the UK parliament passed legislation overnight to allow the deportations, according to Al Jazeera.
PM Sunak on deportation of asylum seekers
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak anticipates the commencement of flights in 10 to 12 weeks, despite potential legal opposition from charities, campaigners, and unions. Sunak emphasizes the government’s humanitarian motive to deter human traffickers from endangering individuals at sea.
He expressed concern over the escalating numbers of people crammed into unsafe dinghies, leading to tragic outcomes. The government’s proactive stance aims to address the rising challenges posed by illegal migration. Sunak’s proactive approach underscores the urgency to safeguard lives and enhance border security amidst the escalating crisis. The government’s resolve to tackle this issue reflects a commitment to humanitarian values.
Rwanda Scheme
Individuals arriving in Britain in an irregular manner after January 1, 2022, face relocation to Rwanda, approximately 6,400km away, as per Al Jazeera. Over 50,000 arrivals have been recorded since this cut-off date. The United Nations refugee agency and the Council of Europe have urged the UK to reconsider its strategy, expressing concerns that the initiative may jeopardize international collaboration in addressing the global migration crisis. The move has sparked debate and raised questions about the humanitarian implications and effectiveness of such measures in managing migration flows.
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