October 19th 2024.
The group had finally been rescued, but it came at a great cost. Tragically, Maryam, a 40-day-old infant, did not survive the journey. According to reports, she slipped from her father's grasp as he desperately tried to hold onto her. This heartbreaking event occurred as the family was attempting to cross the English Channel in hopes of reaching safety and a better life in England.
The Bahez family, hailing from Iraqui Kurdistan, had endured a long and treacherous journey through Europe before reaching the Channel. They had boarded a boat in Wissant, France, with Maryam wrapped in a bin bag to keep her dry. However, things took a turn for the worse when the boat began to take on water. Despite their pleas, the driver refused to turn back, and the situation quickly became dire.
Aras, Maryam's father, recalled the terrifying moments when the boat began to sink. "Our feet were in the water, and we begged the driver to turn around, but he ignored us and kept going," he shared with Sky News. "The water rose to my waist, and then the dinghy burst, causing chaos. Amidst the chaos, my little girl slipped from my grasp and fell into the water. Despite my efforts, I was unable to save her, and she was gone."
Luckily, multiple rescue boats were sent to their aid, and 65 people, including the Bahez family, were pulled from the water. However, the tragedy of Maryam's death left a profound impact on her family and the rescuers. "I will never attempt the sea route again," Aras stated. "But I came here with the hope of giving my children a future, of providing for them and giving them a better life. I just want to work and raise my children like any other parent."
Sadly, the Bahez family's story is not unique. More than 50 people have lost their lives while trying to cross the treacherous Channel this year alone. Just a few weeks before Maryam's death, a child was trampled to death at the bottom of a boat attempting the same journey. And in recent days, there have been reports of more fatalities off the coast of France.
The French newspaper, La Voix Du Nord, reported that three people had died off Calais, and another near Boulogne. France24 also shared that a child, believed to be around four years old, was found on a boat and not in the water, but sadly did not survive. One person was also airlifted to the hospital for treatment. Thankfully, a French tow vessel was able to rescue 14 other individuals and bring them to safety.
Despite the dangers and tragedies, many still attempt to make the journey across the Channel in hopes of a better life. As Aras stated, "I will never try the sea route again." But for many like him, the chance for a better future is worth the risk. As a result, it is crucial to address the underlying issues that drive people to take such risks, so that no more lives are lost in pursuit of a better life.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
