At Least 13 Migrants Die in Channel Crossing

At least 13 migrants died after their boat ripped apart during a crossing of the English Channel on September 3, 2024, near Boulogne-sur-Mer, France. Mayor Olivier Barbarin described the incident as a 'big drama,' and confirmed that rescuers recovered 61 people from the water. The French Interior Minister reported two additional individuals are still missing, with varying accounts of the exact death toll. This year alone, at least 30 migrants have either died or gone missing attempting to reach the UK. The increasing number of crossings, with over 2,100 migrants attempting the journey in the past week, reflects the challenges posed by strict asylum rules and rising xenophobia in Europe. The International Organization for Migration highlights the dangers faced by migrants as they seek safer havens.