Teenage migrant drowns while trying to reach UK
A TEENAGE migrant is thought to be the first youngster to have drowned while attempting to illegally cross the English Channel from France.
The death of the 16-year-old Sudanese national sparked a row, with a French politician blaming British asylum policies.
Pierre-Henri Dumont, who represents the Pas-de-Calais area, said: “How many more tragedies does it need for the British to find an ounce of humanity?”
But former Tory minister Tim Loughton accused the French of “trying to make their problem, our problem”.
Speaking on Channel 4 News last night about Mr Dumont’s accusation, Mr Loughton said: “I am just gobsmacked.” The dead boy was found on a beach at Sangatte, near Calais, yesterday after his dinghy capsized.
French officials said another migrant in the boat had accidentally punctured it with a spade.
The teenager is thought to have drowned within minutes of entering the water because he could not swim. His friend was rescued and treated for hypothermia.
The tragedy comes as thousands of migrants attempt the perilous 21-mile crossing on small boats.Around 5,000 have made it this year, with about 1,000 arriving in the past fortnight.
Border Force director general Tony Smith described the teenager’s death as “absolutely tragic”.
He added: “I have been predicting this for months. We must have a new agreement with France to stop the boats or I fear more lives will be lost.”
Home Secretary Priti Patel called yesterday’s tragedy an “upsetting and tragic loss of a young life”.
She added: “This incident serves as a brutal reminder of the abhorrent criminal gangs and people smugglers who exploit vulnerable people.”
The Bishop of Dover called for “definitive action” to protect those “desperate enough to risk their lives” in small boats.