Five migrants drown in English Channel amid controversy over Rwanda deportation policy

At least five individuals, including a child, tragically lost their lives while attempting to cross the English Channel from France.

This incident occurred just hours after the British parliament approved a bill allowing the deportation of asylum seekers to Rwanda in an effort to curb these perilous journeys.

The victims, comprising one child, a woman, and three men, were aboard an overcrowded small boat carrying around 110 people. This vessel attempted to navigate through one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. The French coastguard continues its search for survivors.

A coastguard official provided insight into the incident, stating, "After becoming initially stranded on the shore, the boat set out to sea again. A crowd movement apparently occurred in the overloaded boat, causing several victims."

Currently, neither the Coast Guard nor police have confirmed the number of individuals rescued or those potentially missing. Meanwhile, a British border force boat was spotted off the coast of Dover, southern England, carrying over 20 migrants wearing life jackets, approximately 20 miles (32 km) from the French shores.

This tragic event unfolded in the wake of the British parliament passing legislation aimed at deporting asylum-seekers to Rwanda rather than processing their claims within Britain.

Addressing the issue, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized the government's commitment to curbing migrant flows. "Stopping the flow of migrants is a priority for this government," he said. However, critics, including human rights groups, view the Rwanda deportation plan as inhumane.

Reacting to the migrant deaths at sea, Britain's interior minister James Cleverly remarked, "These tragedies have to stop."

Following the bill's passage, Sunak expressed his intent to initiate deportation flights to Rwanda soon. He stated, "The focus is now on getting flights to Rwanda off the ground. I am clear that nothing will stand in our way of doing that and saving lives," reported Reuters.

The number of asylum seekers, many fleeing conflict and poverty from regions like Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, arriving on English shores has been on the rise since 2018. This year alone, over 6,000 have reached Britain, marking a 25% increase from the same period last year.

The perilous journey across the Channel has claimed numerous lives. A devastating incident occurred in November 2021 when 27 migrants drowned after their dinghy capsized near Calais.

Despite the dangers, people smugglers continue to exploit desperate migrants, often overloading boats that are barely seaworthy.

It's worth noting that a previous attempt to deport migrants to Rwanda in June 2022 was thwarted by European judges. Britain's Supreme Court later ruled the scheme unlawful, citing the risk of migrants facing mistreatment upon return to their home countries or other destinations.