Three migrants died trying to reach the UK after being found unresponsive on a boat off the coast of Dunkirk on Thursday morning, the French coastguard said. The discovery came after Wednesday was one of the busiest days for Channel crossings this year, with calm seas and sunny weather prompting a steady stream of attempts.
The boat was spotted at around 6am. Rescue crews took the three individuals to shore, where they were confirmed dead.
Separate Incident Off Hardelot
In a separate incident late Wednesday, a small boat capsized off Hardelot on France's north-west coast. The administrative department for the Pas-de-Calais reported one man, estimated to be between 30 and 40, deceased, and six people with minor injuries, including a one-year-old child, who were treated by emergency services. A judicial investigation has been opened to determine the cause.
Up to 700 migrants are believed to have crossed the Channel in small boats on Wednesday. French police were filmed on Hardelot beach watching as dozens boarded a dinghy destined for the UK. French officers are not allowed to intervene when migrants are in the water due to the risk of drowning.
Smugglers Adapt Tactics
The size of rubber dinghies has increased significantly as smugglers adapt to increased police activity on French beaches. Larger boats now ‘taxi’ around the coast and wait to pick up people slightly offshore, rather than launching from the sand. A record 128 migrants arrived in one dinghy this month, up from the previous record of 125 in September last year.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham insisted the Government's plan to curb Channel crossings was “working,” but admitted there was “more to do.”
UK Funding and Response
In April, the UK agreed to pay France extra cash to police its shores. A £662m deal was agreed for the next three years, with around £160m of it to be spent on new tactics like policing to stop so-called taxi boats. The £160m is conditional on the success of the French operation. The UK will pay around £501m for more officers on the beaches of northern France and extra surveillance technology, despite a previous boost in funding failing to bring down the number of Channel crossings. Charities fear the enforcement could push people to flee to the UK and lead to more deaths.
A government spokesperson 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.”
