Tragedy in the Channel: Migrant Crisis Escalates

French maritime authorities recovered the bodies of two migrants from the English Channel, raising this year's toll of dead and missing to over 50. The rescue operation saved 46 others from a dangerously overcrowded inflatable boat, highlighting the Channel's growing peril during such crossings.

French maritime authorities recovered the bodies of two migrants from the English Channel on Wednesday, marking another grim milestone as the number of dead and missing in French waters surpassed 50 this year.

Authorities rescued 46 individuals after their attempt to cross the hazardous waterway between France and England ended in failure. The migrants were discovered in a heavily overloaded inflatable boat.

With the latest incident, 2024 is becoming an increasingly lethal year for such crossings. Before Wednesday's tragedy, the French maritime prefecture had reported 49 dead or missing this year. The search operation was initiated following the discovery of a life vest at sea.

(With inputs from agencies.)