Four migrants have died while trying to reach the UK, including three found unresponsive on a boat off Dunkirk and a fourth in a separate drowning incident near Boulogne-sur-Mer. The deaths came a day after Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the Government's plan to curb Channel crossings was "working", though he admitted there was "more to do".
Details of the incidents
The French coastguard reported that three people were found dead on a boat off the coast of Dunkirk on Thursday. A boat was spotted at about 6am with three people on board who were found unresponsive. Rescue crews took them ashore, and paramedics confirmed they had died, according to a statement from the Prefecture maritime de la Manche et de la mer du Nord.
In a separate incident hours earlier, a man believed to be between 30 and 40 died when a dinghy capsized off the coast of Plage d'Hardelot. A judicial investigation has been launched. A one-year-old was among six people rescued and treated by emergency services, the prefet of Pas-de-Calais said.
Context and response
Wednesday was one of the busiest days for Channel crossings so far this year, with a steady stream of attempts throughout the day amid hot, sunny weather and calm conditions at sea. The Home Office has not yet confirmed the number of people who arrived in the UK after making the journey.
A UK Government spokeswoman said: "We are deeply saddened to hear about these deaths. Every death in the Channel is a tragedy and a stark reminder of the dangers posed by criminal gangs exploiting vulnerable people for profit. We will continue working relentlessly with the French and our partners overseas to prevent these perilous journeys. The French authorities are leading the response and investigation into this incident."
