Summary
Two people died while attempting to cross the English Channel on Saturday. Around 100 people tried to make the journey in a small, makeshift boat, and 60 were rescued by French authorities. The incident adds to at least 25 deaths this year related to attempts to cross the Channel in small boats.
Key Facts
- Two people died attempting to cross the English Channel on Saturday.
- About 100 people were on the makeshift boat when the incident occurred.
- Sixty people were rescued and are being cared for by French authorities.
- A couple and their child with hypothermia were taken to a hospital in Boulogne.
- The incident happened near Neufchâtel-Hardelot in northern France.
- At least 25 people have died this year in similar Channel crossing attempts.
- More than 30,000 people have reached the UK in small boats in 2025.
- The UK and France have a "one in, one out" returns deal to deter crossings.
