French authorities reported that a dinghy carrying 82 people departed from Neufchâtel-Hardelot shortly after 1:30am on May 3 but experienced a technical failure while at sea. This caused the vessel to drift uncontrollably and eventually run aground on the French shoreline near Neufchâtel-Hardelot.
Emergency crews arriving at the scene discovered the bodies of two women in their 20s, who are believed to be Sudanese. In addition, 17 migrants were rescued, while several others sustained critical injuries during the incident.
The boat began drifting after the technical issue, and emergency services responded swiftly to the distress call. Upon arrival, they found the two women deceased and multiple passengers suffering from serious injuries.
Among those injured, three individuals remain in critical condition due to burns caused by a combination of fuel and seawater exposure. Five others were hospitalised for treatment, and fourteen were classified as being in a relative emergency state following rescue efforts.
The rescue operation involved multiple agencies, including the French coastguards, gendarmerie, rescue teams, and aerial support units. Seventeen migrants were pulled from the water and transferred to a French coastguard vessel before being taken to Boulogne-sur-Mer for further assistance.
The Boulogne-sur-Mer prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the dinghy’s technical failure. Authorities are also working to formally confirm the identities of the two deceased women.
This tragic event highlights the ongoing dangers faced by migrants attempting to cross the English Channel in small boats. Officials continue to warn about the risks posed by smugglers and overcrowded vessels making these perilous journeys to Kent and other destinations.
Originally published by UKNIP.
