Paris (AP) – Two women tragically lost their lives Saturday morning attempting to cross the English Channel from France to the UK, as makeshift boats continued to carry other migrants, according to French authorities.
Rescue teams discovered the women in cardiac arrest but were unable to revive them, as reported by the Pas-de-Calais region in northern France. A couple and their child, who was suffering from hypothermia, were transported to a hospital in Boulogne.
This incident occurred along the coast of the small town of Neufchatel-Hardelot. Local media outlets state that over 60 migrants were rescued overnight, while police managed to block several crossing attempts.
According to regional authorities, 17 migrants have perished since the beginning of the year while trying to reach the UK via small boats originating from the Pas-de-Calais area.
Earlier this week, three families, including young children, were among the first group sent from France to the UK as part of an agreement whereby Britain will send back migrants entering without authorization and France will send vetted asylum seekers.
The UK Home Office stated that the families’ arrival marks a “critical first step” in a program called “One Out.” Recently, four individuals who had arrived in the UK by boat from France were returned to France as part of this arrangement.
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Source: apnews.com