French authorities said 12 people died when their small boat capsized in the English Channel September 3, 2024. The people were migrants trying to reach Britain from northern France. Their boat was torn apart by the conditions in the channel.
Most victims were women, one of whom was pregnant. The 12 also included six minors. Reports say they did not have life preservers available. Gerald Darmanin, French interior minister, said most of the approximately 65 passengers were thought to be from Eritrea.
Rescue boats and helicopters were used in the rescue operation, with people taken to Boulogne-sur-Mer, France for medical care.