Summary
Four people died while trying to cross the English Channel near northern France, according to French authorities. Rescuers are helping around 30 others from the incident, which happened between beaches south of Calais.
Key Facts
- Four people died during an attempted Channel crossing from France.
- The incident occurred off the coast between Équihen and Écault, south of Calais.
- Local authorities reported the event involved a "taxi boat" sinking.
- Emergency services, including firefighters and intensive care units, arrived on the scene in the morning.
- Around 30 people received help from emergency services.
- The weather has been calm, and Channel crossings tend to rise in summer.
- In recent years, Channel crossings have increased, with 41,472 arrivals in the UK by small boats in 2025.
- The number of crossings between January and March 2026 was 4,441, a decrease from the same period in 2025.
