13 people died after a boat carrying 50 migrants capsized in the English Channel

At least 13 people died, including three children, when a boat carrying up to 70 migrants broke open and capsized in the English Channel.

A big rescue operation is underway to extract passengers from the water after the inflatable sailboat became stuck off the coast of France.
The French coast guard first confirmed that 10 persons were in critical condition after the shipwreck.
Shortly after 11.30 a.m., rescue workers were sent near Le Portel, a community of approximately 9,000 people.

According to Olivier Barbarin, chief of Le Portel at Boulogne-sur-Mer, where casualties are being treated, “Unfortunately, the bottom of the boat ripped open.” It’s a major drama.
According to TV channel France 3, Le Portel mayor Olivier Barbarin stated that ‘about 10 persons are in cardio-respiratory arrest’.
Some of those rescued were brought to Boulogne-sur-Mer, while others were flown by helicopter to Le Portel.
Emergency personnel have raced to the location to deal with the incident.

A French emergency services official said rescuers were operating off the shore, near the former hoverport in Le Portel, south of Boulogne-sur-Mer.

‘The sinking of an overcrowded boat with approximately 70 migrants on board occurred early on Tuesday,’ stated the spokesman.
A Navy helicopter is transporting casualties who are in serious condition. Some seem to have been suffocated. Approximately ten persons have been reported deceased.

Victims were also being transported back to Bassin Loubet in Boulogne-sur-Mer aboard a semi-rigid boat, according to the spokesperson.
Olivier Barbarin, the mayor of Le Portel, has closed the beach near the former hoverport so that helicopters can land.
The mayor of Boulogne-sur-Mer, Frédéric Cuvillier, stated: “A new tragedy linked to the migration situation has just occurred on our territory.”

‘A boat carrying approximately 70 people has sunk off our coast. The toll, which has yet to be stabilized, is high, with more than ten victims and persons in critical condition, he said on social media.