PARIS, France: French authorities have arrested four suspects for involuntary manslaughter over the death of migrants who lost their boat in the English Channel last weekend.
Six migrants lost their lives, all Afghan nationals, when their boat carrying 65 people capsized in the turbulent waters of the English Channel.
The four arrested include two Iraqis and two Sundanese. The arrested Iraqis are presumed to be part of a human smuggling racket.
The remaining 59 passengers were rescued, reported French authorities as a commercial vessel saw the wrecked boat and reported their plight which was duly responded to by the coast guards from France and England.
The rescued include mostly Afghans along with some Sudanese and a few minors. It is pertinent to note that there were no life jackets provided.
French authorities rescued 38 while British Coast Guard saved 23. The deaths in the English Channel connecting the two countries sparked tensions in the past as 27 migrants lost their lives in November 2021, compelling the two nations to do more to prevent such tragedies.
