BOULOGNE — SUR-MER, France — In a harrowing incident off the French coast, two young women of Sudanese origin, around 20 years of age, perished while attempting to reach the United Kingdom.
The boat they were aboard, carrying 82 individuals, encountered an engine failure and drifted before eventually running aground on a beach near Neufchatel-Hardelot, south of Boulogne-sur-Mer.
The incident, which unfolded over the weekend, has raised concerns about the perilous nature of such crossings, often carried out in overcrowded and unsafe vessels. French authorities have suggested that the deaths may have resulted from overcrowding, with the potential for asphyxiation or crush injuries. Seventeen people were rescued at sea and taken to the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer, while the remaining 65 were brought ashore.
Among those injured were three with serious wounds, including burn victims. French officials are investigating the incident and will determine the nationality of the deceased. This tragedy marks the third such incident in just over a month at the French-British border.
In April, two migrants died off the coast of Gravelines, and on another occasion, two men and two women were swept away by currents.
The year 2025 has already seen at least 29 migrants die at sea in the region, according to an AFP tally based on official French and British sources.
The UK and France recently signed a new three — year deal on security operations to prevent crossings, with France increasing its coastal police presence and the UK contributing more funding. Despite these efforts, the number of crossings by small boats has continued to rise, highlighting the ongoing challenges in managing the migrant crisis.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: rfi
Source: RFI
