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The deaths of two young children and two adults trying to reach the UK on an immigrant ship should be a “wake-up call” for politicians on both sides of the Canal, charity bosses have said.
A five-year-old boy and an eight-year-old boy were among the four people who died when their sunken ship off the coast of Dunkirk in the north France on Tuesday.
Another 15 migrants were rescued, eight of whom suffered hypothermia and two suffered cardiac arrest, local firefighters said.
Searches are still being conducted for anyone else who may have been on the ship.
French authorities have said more searches are underway in the area and the death toll could rise.
The tragedy is believed to be the largest loss of life during the current migration crisis, bringing the total number of deaths since 2018 to 10.
Clare Moseley, founder of the refugee charity Care4Calais, said the “horrific” incident should be a “wake-up call” for the leaders of the UK and France.
“We are in mourning for the victims, we are in solidarity with their families and friends,” he said.
“It is cruel and horrifying that, this time, young children are among the victims.”
He added: ‘We have to provide a safe and legal process whereby refugees can have their asylum claims heard in the UK, that’s the way to end terrible and dangerous sea crossings and prevent tragedy from coming back. To hit”.
Charity Save the Children has called on London and Paris to “develop a joint plan to ensure the safety of vulnerable children and families.”
“The English Channel must not become a cemetery for children,” he warned.
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Prime Minister Boris johnson called the incident “terrible” and said the UK had offered “its full support” to the French authorities, while the Home Secretary Priti Patel she said she was “really saddened”.
Patel added: “We are in contact with our French counterparts who are leading the response and have offered all the support they need as they investigate this incident.
“This tragic news highlights the dangers of crossing the English Channel and I will do everything I can to stop callous criminals who exploit vulnerable people.”
French citizenship minister Marlene Schiappa said she felt “great sadness” in light of the incident.
“Despite the state’s resources, which were all mobilized in the SOS operation, the losses are great and the final number is still uncertain,” he said.
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The people on board the migrant boat had been trying to reach the UK despite gusts of wind of up to 30 km / h.
After the ship ran into difficulties, French patrol boats and a helicopter were dispatched, as well as civilian boats.
Fifteen people were transferred to hospitals in Calais and Dunkirk, according to the Canal and North Sea Maritime Prefecture.
The cause of the sinking is being investigated.
