In a deeply distressing narrative from the English Channel, a father recounts the chilling moment he lost his infant daughter, Maryam Bahez, during an ill-fated crossing from France to England. The family, hailing from Iraqi Kurdistan, embarked on this treacherous journey in search of a promising future, only to encounter unimaginable tragedy on the open water. Authorities report that Maryam was believed to have been born during her family’s perilous trek through Europe, a symbol of hope for her parents as they ventured forth.
Last Thursday night, the Bahez family, fearing for their survival, boarded an overcrowded dinghy in Wissant alongside their two older sons. The conditions on board were chaotic, as families prepared to brave the, at times, unforgiving waters of the Channel. In a desperate attempt to keep their newborn dry, her parents shielded little Maryam in a black bin bag—a harrowing testament to their precarious situation. Just moments into their journey, disaster struck.
As the dinghy began to succumb to the waves, water rapidly filled the vessel. Aras, Maryam’s father, recounted a chaotic scene as he, alongside others, implored the driver to turn back—their desperate cries drowned by the encroaching waves. Alas, the refusal to heed these warnings led to catastrophe. “Our feet were in the water,” he described, as the vessel began to shift perilously. In a matter of minutes, this semblance of hope turned into sheer terror.
The dinghy ultimately capsized, thrusting everyone into the cold waters of the Channel. Amidst the scramble for survival, Aras fought valiantly to rescue his daughter. Despite the chaos that ensued, he managed to bring her to the surface twice. However, the tragic reality of the situation struck a devastating blow when Maryam slipped from his grasp—an agonizing loss that would haunt him forever.
In the wake of this disaster, the French coastguard swiftly intervened, deploying multiple rescue vessels and a helicopter to locate those stranded or submerged in the sea. In total, 65 individuals were rescued from the clutches of despair, but tragically, Maryam’s lifeless body was later discovered in the water, and her heartbroken father could only grieve the loss of his child. Such moments encapsulate the devastating consequences of seeking safety across the perilous waters, where hope can quickly dissolve into tragedy.
Yet even in the face of adversity, Aras’s resolve shines through. Despite vowing never to attempt the sea route again, he has stated his unwavering intention to reach Britain, motivated by the desire for a better life for his wife and surviving children. “I want to work and raise my children like any other children,” he articulated, highlighting the incredible lengths families will go to in pursuit of a future free from distress.
This tragic episode underscores the chilling reality of the year, which has seen more fatalities than any before. Over 50 lives are known to have been lost while attempting such crossings, illustrating the inherent dangers that come with seeking escape from dire circumstances. Many individuals have suffocated or drowned amidst the crush of desperate souls seeking refuge.
Despite the peril, the allure of reaching Britain persists, as recent statistics indicate that over 26,000 individuals have successfully crossed in a similar timeframe. This dangerous act continues, driven by the desperate hopes of families. Unfortunately, it has also created a lucrative market for people smugglers, reaping tens of thousands from each crossing while families cling to the frail thread of hope for a new life.
The harrowing experience of the Bahez family reveals not just an isolated tragedy but also highlights the urgent need for globally viable solutions to displacement and migration. As sympathy flows for those like Aras who are striving for a better life, it is crucial that the international community addresses the complex issues prompting such journeys—ensuring no family has to face the same devastating fate as the Bahez family. The world must come together to transform this narrative of loss into one of hope, support, and sustainable change for desperate families seeking refuge.
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