Three dead and huge search mission launched as packed UK-bound migrant boat rushed leaving France
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Three people have died and four others have been taken to hospital after dozens of people tried to board a dinghy leaving France. The dinghy got into difficultly trying to leave a French beach for the Kent coast after dozens of people tried to get on board, according to French coastguard officers. The horrific scene unfolded soon after dawn on Sunday at Sangatte beach, on the coast at Calais, in northern France, before attempted to continue to the UK.
Charity worker, Flore Judet, said: "A boat was supposed to set off with sixty people on board, but a group of fifty additional people tried to get on the boat. This created extreme panic, causing many to end up in the water.". French emergency services rushed to the area, and managed to rescue people from the water and get them to safety at the Tom Southville sailing training centre in Sangatte. A spokesman for the Maritime Prefecture said: "Around fifty people were being treated on land following the major rescue operation. A Naval helicopter was involved in taking people ashore. Seven people have been rushed to hospital, while others were treated at the scene for hypothermia.".
The spokesman said the search was continuing on Sunday morning, and there were fears the death toll could rise. The Prefecture Maritime covering the English Channel and North Sea said a number of migrant boats were reported attempting the crossing around 6am today.
They said: "A departure of one of the boats from the beach of Sangatte encountered difficulties during boarding with about 50 people remaining in the water and on the beach." Following the incident, a huge air and sea operation was launched and 45 people were assisted by the emergency services onto land. Four were transported to the hospitals of Calais and Boulogne-sur-Mer.
