French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin addressed hospital workers and officials following the sinking of an inflatable dinghy holding 34 refugees in Calais, on Wednesday night.
Darmanin said the incident was an "absolute tragedy" saying 31 people were 'dead or inanimate'. The death toll was later revised down to 27.
The interior minister went on to say "the responsibility is that of the criminals that are the smugglers" before speaking of France using "additional means" to combat the problem.
The capsizing of the inflatable dinghy, which occurred this Wednesday near the coastal cities of Dunkirk and Calais has been termed the worst ever disaster involving migrants in the English Channel. Although the journey is relatively short the currents in the water are strong, making it an unsafe voyage for many refugees who attempt to cross often in inadequate boats.
Following the incident the governments of France and the United Kingdom have set up communication in order to prevent illegal crossing between the two countries.
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin addressed hospital workers and officials following the sinking of an inflatable dinghy holding 34 refugees in Calais, on Wednesday night.
Darmanin said the incident was an "absolute tragedy" saying 31 people were 'dead or inanimate'. The death toll was later revised down to 27.
The interior minister went on to say "the responsibility is that of the criminals that are the smugglers" before speaking of France using "additional means" to combat the problem.
The capsizing of the inflatable dinghy, which occurred this Wednesday near the coastal cities of Dunkirk and Calais has been termed the worst ever disaster involving migrants in the English Channel. Although the journey is relatively short the currents in the water are strong, making it an unsafe voyage for many refugees who attempt to cross often in inadequate boats.
Following the incident the governments of France and the United Kingdom have set up communication in order to prevent illegal crossing between the two countries.
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin addressed hospital workers and officials following the sinking of an inflatable dinghy holding 34 refugees in Calais, on Wednesday night.
Darmanin said the incident was an "absolute tragedy" saying 31 people were 'dead or inanimate'. The death toll was later revised down to 27.
The interior minister went on to say "the responsibility is that of the criminals that are the smugglers" before speaking of France using "additional means" to combat the problem.
The capsizing of the inflatable dinghy, which occurred this Wednesday near the coastal cities of Dunkirk and Calais has been termed the worst ever disaster involving migrants in the English Channel. Although the journey is relatively short the currents in the water are strong, making it an unsafe voyage for many refugees who attempt to cross often in inadequate boats.
Following the incident the governments of France and the United Kingdom have set up communication in order to prevent illegal crossing between the two countries.