“Over the past week, more than 2,000 people have made their way to Britain in small boats.”
At least 10 migrants lost their lives on Tuesday when their boat capsized while crossing the Channel from France to Britain.
A French Coast Guard official reported that at least 10 people are in critical condition.
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin is expected to visit the scene near Boulogne-sur-Mer later today.
According to the newspaper La Voix du Nord, at least 10 migrants died on Tuesday after their boat overturned while they were crossing the Channel from France to Britain. A major rescue operation is underway for more than 50 people.
A spokesperson for the French Coast Guard earlier stated that 10 people are in critical condition.
“The British Coast Guard hasn’t yet responded to a request for comment.”
Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, the television channel CNews reported that outgoing French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin is expected to arrive at the site near the town of Boulogne-sur-Mer later in the afternoon.
Tackling illegal migration has been a priority for both the British and French governments. Over the past seven days, more than 2,000 people have arrived in Britain on small boats, according to British government figures.
Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged to work more closely together to dismantle migrant smuggling routes.
The Channel is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, with strong currents, making the crossing on small boats particularly dangerous. In August, two people were found dead after a boat carrying migrants attempting to cross the Channel ran into difficulties.