Four people, two men and two women, have died after a small boat sank in the English Channel off the coast of Boulogne, French authorities have confirmed. The incident occurred when strong currents swept them away while they attempted to board a dinghy, described as a 'taxi-boat' used by smugglers to pick up migrants along the French and Belgian coasts.
At least 42 others were rescued between Équihen-Plage and Hardelot-Plage. One person suffered hypothermia, and 37 others received medical treatment. The prefect of Pas-de-Calais, François-Xavier Lauch, described the toll as provisional, noting the dangerous currents in the area.
Thursday's tragedy follows a day earlier when 102 people were rescued after getting into difficulty attempting to cross the Channel. Earlier this month, two people died in a similar incident. More than 5,000 migrants have crossed the Channel to the UK so far this year, compared to around 41,500 in the previous year.
Charities and campaigners have condemned the loss of life, urging the UK government to establish safe routes for asylum seekers. Imran Hussain of the Refugee Council said people fleeing war and persecution are driven to small boats by desperation. Charlotte Khan of Care4Calais stated that the deaths are 'on the hands' of the government, which she accused of focusing on ineffective deterrents.
A UK government spokesperson expressed deep sadness, calling every death a tragedy and a reminder of the dangers posed by criminal gangs. They confirmed support for the French-led investigation. The UK and France are currently negotiating a new agreement to stop small boat crossings after the previous deal expired on 31 March.
