At least 12 migrants died after their boat ripped apart Tuesday during an attempted crossing of the English Channel, according to the French Interior Minister. Dozens of people were plunged into the treacherous waters of the busy channel.
“Unfortunately, the bottom of the boat ripped open,” said Olivier Barbarin, mayor of Le Portel near the fishing port of Boulogne-sur-Mer, where a first aid post was set up to treat victims. “It’s a big drama.”
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said Tuesday that 12 died in the “terrible shipwreck,” adding that there were two others still missing and some injured. French officials have given varying numbers of deceased.