News
Eight Dead After Tragic Channel Crossing Attempt
French police have confirmed that eight people lost their lives overnight while attempting to cross the English Channel from France. The incident occurred in waters north of Boulogne-sur-Mer in the northern Pas-de-Calais region, after the boat got into trouble at around 01:00 local time (00:00 BST).
The rubber vessel, carrying about 60 people from countries including Eritrea, Sudan, Syria, and Iran, faced difficulty as it neared the town of Ambleteuse. The French coast guard stated that the boat headed toward a beach but could not be assisted from the sea. The vessel was then driven onto rocks, where it came apart, leading to the tragic loss of life.
Emergency services tended to 53 people on the beach and confirmed the deaths of eight individuals. Six others, including a baby suffering from hypothermia, were taken to a hospital. No additional people were found during subsequent sea searches.
The Boulogne-sur-Mer public prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into the incident. A UK government spokesperson acknowledged the event, noting that French authorities are leading the response and investigation.
This tragedy comes less than two weeks after another devastating loss, where 12 people, including six children and a pregnant woman, died in a similar crossing attempt. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed his sorrow, calling it “awful” and reaffirmed the government’s plan to work with European partners to target criminal people-smuggling gangs in an effort to deter small boat crossings.
In a devastating incident in eastern India, at least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, have drowned while celebrating the Hindu Jivitputrika festival. The fatalities, which occurred across 15 districts within the past 24 hours, resulted from victims ritually bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding.
The three-day festival, which honors children’s wellbeing, is traditionally marked by mothers fasting and families participating in ritual baths. This year, the swollen water bodies, exacerbated by recent floods, have turned the celebratory ritual into a deadly disaster.
Local disaster management officials have expressed fears that the death toll could rise further. State authorities have promised compensation for the families and relatives of the victims.
Fatal accidents during religious festivals are not uncommon in India, where large gatherings often take place with insufficient safety measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such gatherings, especially during adverse weather conditions.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes in Beirut, reportedly killing Mohammad Hussein Surur, a senior Hezbollah air unit leader. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed two deaths and 15 injuries from the attack. The strikes come amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging fire throughout the night and into the morning.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the IDF would continue to fight “with full force” against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle the Iran-backed militant group. This marks a significant intensification of hostilities between the two sides, which have been exchanging rockets and airstrikes for days. The Lebanese health ministry also reported that 28 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched 80 missiles targeting northern Israeli cities, including Safed. Israeli authorities have reported no casualties but noted significant property damage in Safed and Rosh Pina.
Amid the intensifying conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed calls for a diplomatic solution. The U.S., along with 11 other allied nations, has urged both Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.
Ferry travel between the Isle of Man and Lancashire continues to face disruption due to strong winds over the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has cancelled Thursday’s 08:45 BST sailing of the Manxman to Heysham and its scheduled 14:15 return journey. This follows the cancellation of the vessel’s return trip from the Lancashire port on Wednesday evening.
The disruptions have affected postal services, with the Isle of Man Post Office reporting delays in deliveries from the UK. While local deliveries within the island remain unaffected, items posted on Wednesday for UK delivery may not reach Royal Mail’s network in time for Friday delivery.
Additionally, the ferry cancellations have caused a delay in newspaper deliveries, with no papers available on the island on Thursday, as confirmed by the island’s wholesale distributor.
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