Seeking Sanctuary mourns latest Channel migrant drownings

Source: Seeking Sanctuary

A major rescue operation took place throughout Tuesday, 27 October, after the French Coastguard were alerted by a yacht of a migrant boat capsized in the Dunkirk channel off Loon Plage. A fishing vessel, a Dunkirk pilot boat, a lifeboat from Gravelines, the French Navy's Garonne, a customs patrol vessel and French and Belgian helicopters were all involved.

A man, a woman and two children, possibly a young family, were pronounced dead at the scene. Eighteen people, Iraqis and Kurdish Iranians, were taken to hospitals in Calais and Dunkirk, two of them suffering from cardio-respiratory arrest, while eight others were suffering from hypothermia. Three may remain missing, one of them a small child. The passengers of the boat were probably unaware that a marine weather report had been issued that day, warning smalls not to venture out to sea because of severe weather conditions.

Phil Kerton, co-director of Seeking Sanctuary said: "Desperate people have lost their lives in another tragic and distressing accident, this time off the French coast near Dunkirk. Conditions at sea were such that the crossing in a small boat was extremely hazardous from the start. Our thoughts are with their families who are yet to learn of their loss and with with those of their companions who were lucky enough to be rescued, but who must now live with the memories of this tragedy. Like everyone else, each of the dead had hopes for leading a future life in peace and dignity, all seeking to realise their innate potential."

"We continue to urge that innovative solutions are found for the welfare of the world's exiles. Especially means for their safe access to places where they may request asylum without falling into the hands of unscrupulous traffickers who do not hesitate to put lives at risk. We want to see fresh solutions that do not involve more security measures such as patrols, walls and fences, but which instead see each individual as a fellow human being in need of advice and help and with a genuine contribution to make to our community."

In due course we will remember the victims at the memorial for deceased seekers of sanctuary on the Dover seafront. In the meantime may they rest in peace."

PRAYER

Remember Lord the lives of all those fleeing persecution and seeking sanctuary who are dear to You - of all faiths and none.
Remember Lord on this sacred day those who flee their homes through persecution and violence, those who risk their lives in having to make impossible choices for their future and that of their families.
Remember Lord those who have lost their lives through drowning in dangerous seas.
Rememeber those are buried in cemeteries thousands of miles from their families and loved ones. May their memory be cherished even as they lie in rest so far from those who are close to them.
Remember Lord all who work for justice and peace for those who are oppressed, that they might find strength and hope in their actions of solidarity. Remember those who work to rescue their brothers and sisters in humanity from drowning in dangerous waters.Remember Lord those in positions of influence and authority - harden not their hearts that they may see and recognise the humanity and dignity of our brothers and sisters in humanity.
Remember Lord, in the words of Pope Francis that 'every migrant has a name, a face and a story'
Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. Amen

Follow us on Twitter'Seeking Sanctuary' aims to raise awareness about people displaced from their homes and to channel basic humanitarian assistance from Faith Communities and Community Organisations via partnerships with experienced aid workers. Our special concern is for the 2000 or so exiles who are stuck in north-western France, mistakenly expecting a welcome in the UK.

They need food, water, good counsel and clothes, which are accepted, sorted and distributed by several organisations, including two Calais warehouses which also supply needs further afield.

LINKS

Seeking Sanctuary - www.seekingsanctuary.weebly.com

Petition - Demand people's human rights and safe routes to asylum on the UK-French border