Iran Press/ Europe: French media revealed that the victims were aboard a boat carrying 60 passengers, which broke apart and sank near the coastal town of Le Portel, in northern France. The local municipality, which has been overseeing the rescue operations, confirmed the casualties.
The report also indicated that around 12 passengers are in critical condition following the incident.
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, who described the event as "horrific," has traveled to the region. Olivier Barbarin, the mayor of Le Portel, located near the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer where the survivors are receiving initial care, referred to the incident as "a major tragedy."So far, rescue teams have brought 61 individuals to shore.
Search and rescue operations continued throughout the afternoon, as emergency services scoured the surrounding waters for additional potential victims.
Updated data from the UK Home Office today revealed that at least 2,109 migrants attempted to cross the Channel in small boats over the past seven days.
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