Six children and pregnant woman among 12 dead in deadliest migrant boat tragedy this year

Six children and a pregnant woman were among at least 12 migrants who died on Tuesday when their boat was “ripped open” during the deadliest attempted Channel crossing this year. More than 53 survivors were plucked from waters off Gris-Nez point, between Calais and Boulogne-sur-Mer, during a major air and sea rescue operation. A nearby rescue vessel was joined by two fishing boats, a French Navy vessel and local lifeboats. Home secretary Yvette Cooper described the incident as “horrifying and deeply tragic”, saying that French services “undoubtedly saved many lives, but sadly could not save everyone”. Watch more on Independent TV: The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. Subscribe: Find us on social: TikTok / @independent Instagram /