Summary
Three people, including two children, died while trying to cross the English Channel from France. French authorities reported that the incident involved overcrowded boats, and they blame smuggling gangs for the tragedy. This year, over 30,000 people have successfully crossed to the UK in small boats.
Key Facts
- Three people, including two children, died trying to cross the English Channel.
- The boat had 38 people aboard, and two children were among the fatalities.
- A separate boat attempted to cross but had three people missing.
- The French rescue tug, Abeille Normandie, rescued survivors from the sea at Sangatte.
- A third boat carrying 115 people was rescued by the French navy; no injuries were reported.
- Over 20 people have died this year in Channel crossings.
- More than 30,000 migrants have crossed to the UK in small boats in 2025.
- France and the UK have a returns agreement to deter Channel crossings.
