My radio alarm wakes me. The newsreader has a plummy, authoritative voice.
“Police have abandoned the search for more survivors of the weekend’s tragedy in the North Sea. Eleven emergency vessels, two fixed-wing aircraft and three helicopters were involved in the operation when it was suspended last night due to worsening weather conditions. The small inflatable boat capsized 12 miles off the coast of Cleethorpes in Lincolnshire. Seventeen migrants drowned, one survived and two are believed to be missing. A Home Office spokesman told the BBC: ‘Crossing the Channel in a small boat is a huge risk. The criminal gangs that perpetuate this ruthless trade do not care about loss of life. We thank all the agencies at home and abroad who led the search and rescue operation’.”
Getting out of bed, I splash water on my face, still listening to the report.
“The victims of the tragedy, which included two children, were from