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Another Body Found in Calais Sea, Adding to Channel Tragedy

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The tragedy of Channel crossing is far from over, as another body was retrieved near the city of Calais yesterday, one day after confirmation of three migrants who were found dead attempting the treacherous journey to Britain. This grim find indicates that migrants again face the dangers of their journey in search of a better life.

A Grim Discovery

Patrick Leleu, the deputy prosecutor in Boulogne-sur-Mer, confirmed it was a body of a Black man estimated to be about 30 years old, though the identity is yet to be made known. The body was reported in Sangatte, west of Calais by a passerby. The authorities said that it was well preserved and added that whether this one had been in connection with Sunday's tragedy was what needed to be investigated.

The body was discovered less than 1,650 feet from where Sunday's deadly accident occurred. Sangatte Mayor Guy Allemand said the proximity raises questions of a possible link between the incidents.

Sunday's Tragic Incident

The authorities said three migrants died trying to cross the Channel in rough seas on Sunday morning; witnesses described chaos caused by an overcrowded small inflatable carrying mostly youngsters and panic among its passengers. About 40 people were in the water, with the vessel - still carrying many more - careered on.

Despite the best efforts of rescue teams, three men were pronounced dead after being recovered by a navy helicopter off the shore. Authorities fear the toll could rise, as a child is reportedly missing at sea.

A Dangerous Trend

The most recent death toll increases the number for the crossing so far in 2024 to 76. Waters separating France from Britain have turned into one of the active flash points for migrants in conflict-ridden, impoverished, or persecuted countries and seeking their lives elsewhere. Such crossings-often organized by smugglers who use inadequate, sometimes leaking inflatable boats-have been growing increasingly deadly.  
 

The Rescue Effort

A major rescue operation was mounted early in the morning on Sunday after a warning came at around 6:15 a.m. Large contingents of French firemen and police were pressed into service at the Tom Souville base in Sangatte.

Ten were treated for severe hypothermia by firefighters, while four have been hospitalized in local hospitals. While rescue teams did a very great job, they had not been able to revive three unconscious persons.
 

Humanitarian Response

About 50 survivors of Sunday's incident are now in the care of Utopia 56, a French humanitarian charity that provides aid to migrants and has long criticized a lack of safe, legal pathways that pushes migrants into the hands of smugglers and to dangerous crossings.

Investigation Ongoing

An investigation has been launched by prosecutors in Boulogne-sur-Mer, and the judicial police are trying to track down those responsible for supplying the boats. "The death toll may be higher," warned the authorities as search and rescue activities continue.

Action Called For

The repeated tragedies in the Channel are a reminder of the urgent need for coordinated international action to address root causes of migration and safer alternatives for people seeking refuge. Humanitarian organizations ask governments to create legal pathways for asylum seekers and crack down on smuggling networks that make money off desperation.

With the death toll mounting, the Channel is a grim reminder of the human cost of migration as families mourn the loss of loved ones.

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