Germans celebrate New Year's Eve with a particularly intense usage of fireworks, which spurs a recurrent debate about outlawing the most powerful devices
world2 days ago
Three migrants died on Sunday in an attempt to cross the English Channel from France to Britain, a local mayor said.
The deaths take this year's casualty toll from failed clandestine crossings to a confirmed 76.
The boat that was to take the migrants on Sunday ran into trouble near Bleriot-Plage, a public beach in Sangatte close to the French Channel port of Calais, at around 6:00 am (0500 GMT), an emergency services source said.
Several people fell into the water trying to board the overcrowded vessel, French maritime services told AFP.
Around 50 people were given emergency help on the beach by government services or NGOs, with many in a state of hypothermia.
Some were taken to Sangatte's nautical base for treatment.
The French navy deployed a helicopter to help rescue the migrants.
"It never stops," said the mayor of Sangatte, Guy Allemand. "It's crossing after crossing, without any letup."
Seven people required intensive care, he said.
The vessel continued its journey towards the English shore, maritime services said.
Favourable winds since last weekend have encouraged migrants to attempt the crossing, with around 1,500 migrants making it in small boats to English waters between Wednesday and Saturday, according to British authorities.
The total number of migrants arriving in England in small boats since the start of the year is estimated at 36,000.
French authorities said that "several" such boats departed from the French coast early Sunday.
Germans celebrate New Year's Eve with a particularly intense usage of fireworks, which spurs a recurrent debate about outlawing the most powerful devices
world2 days ago
After the stroke of midnight, the Bulgarian and Romanian interior ministers symbolically raised a barrier on the Friendship Bridge straddling the Danube River
world2 days ago
At least 76 deaths were recorded in about 20 accidents last year, making it the deadliest year for migrants who are taking ever greater risks to evade Britain's border control
world2 days ago
The revolutionary song
world2 days ago
Riyadh's air bridge will be followed by another land bridge in the coming days, says KSrelief's top official Abdullah Al Rabeeah
world2 days ago
Reporters Without Borders ranked Syria second-last on its 2024 World Press Freedom Index, ahead only of Eritrea and behind Taliban-ruled Afghanistan
world2 days ago
The world welcomed the New Year with celebrations and festivities, while we witnessed 2025 begin with the first Israeli massacre in the town of Jabalia just after midnight, says Gaza official
world2 days ago
With time zones spanning the globe, 2025 arrived at different times in various countries, creating a staggered celebration around the world
world3 days ago