Fourth arrest over deaths of five migrants including child on overcrowded small boat after victims ‘crushed to death’
A FOURTH person has been arrested after five migrants, including a child, died while trying to cross the Channel on an overcrowded boat.
The National Crime Agency today confirmed the latest arrest in a statement after the horror unfolded on Tuesday which saw several ‘crushed to death’.
A spokesperson stated: “The 18-year-old from Sudan was arrested yesterday evening at Manston in Kent and is now in custody being questioned.
“One individual, a 19-year-old from Sudan who was initially detained on Tuesday evening, has been released without charge. He will now be dealt with by the immigration authorities.
“Two other men, a 22-year-old Sudanese national and a 22-year-old from South Sudan arrested yesterday (April 24) continue to be held.”
It comes after the three men were arrested yesterday.
Disaster struck when they had been crossing from an area near the town of Wimereux,.
Authorities discovered several “lifeless bodies” on what one official called a “busy” morning for crossings, with several attempts reported.
An emergency operation was launched by the French coastguard and by 11am at least five people were reported drowned off the coast at Boulogne sur Mer.
The incident reportedly took place as other migrant groups tried to clamber onto the boat, causing it to become heavily overcrowded.
About 100 migrants were rescued and placed aboard a French navy ship.
Officials reported a four-year-old girl was among the dead and many others who struggled ashore had been unconscious and suffering from hypothermia.
The National Crime Agency said investigators are also questioning two men from Sudan aged 19 and 22, and a third 22-year-old suspect from south Sudan over the tragedy.
They were arrested on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration and entering the UK illegally.
Meanwhile the 55 surviving boat passengers have been interviewed and are expected to be spoken to further in the coming days.
Around 58 refused to leave the boat and continued their journey towards the UK, the coastguard added in their a statement.
Craig Turner, deputy director of investigations for the National Crime Agency said: “This tragic incident once again demonstrates the threat to life posed by these crossings and bring into focus why it is so important to target the criminal gangs involved in organising them.
“We will do all we can with partners in the UK and France to secure evidence, identify those responsible for this event, and bring them to justice.”
Tuesday’s crossings make the provisional total for the year to 6,667 – 20 per cent higher than this time last year but slightly lower than at this stage in 202.
The tragedy took place just hours after the passing of the landmark Rwanda Bill.
Rishi Sunak pledged that “nothing will stand in our way” of stopping the boats.
The PM then described reports of five drowning in the Channel as “tragic” – but a “reminder of why my plan is so important”.