Two women die trying to cross Channel in small boat
BBC • • world
Key Points:
- Two women, believed to be of Sundanese origin and around 20 years old, died after their boat carrying 82 people ran aground on a beach in northern France while attempting to cross the English Channel.
- Three other individuals sustained serious injuries and 14 had moderate injuries; an investigation has been launched by the Boulogne-sur-Mer prosecutor's office.
- The UK Home Office expressed deep sadness over the deaths, condemning criminal gangs exploiting vulnerable migrants and reaffirmed commitment to working with French authorities to prevent dangerous crossings.
- Recent figures indicate 597 migrants arrived in the UK via six small boats in the past week, and in April, the UK and France signed a £662m deal involving enhanced policing and surveillance to curb illegal Channel crossings.
- Over the past three years, Channel crossings have increased significantly, with 41,472 migrants arriving in 2025 alone, prompting the UK to intensify efforts to stop illegal migration and increase deportations.
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