Three people died Sunday attempting the English Channel crossing in a small boat, the French coastguard reported. The accident happened around 06:00 local time off Sangatte, near Calais, when people ended up in the water during boarding. Rescue helicopters recovered the three bodies, while 45 survivors received beachside treatment for hypothermia; four needed hospital care and seven required intensive care.
Dame Angela Eagle, the border security and asylum minister, blamed ruthless criminal gangs who overload unseaworthy vessels. She pledged the government remains committed to dismantling these networks and backing French authorities. Sangatte’s mayor, Guy Allemand, described a relentless pace — crossing after crossing with no let-up.
The International Organization for Migration counts 77 deaths on this route in 2024, the deadliest year since records began. Over 36,000 have crossed in small boats so far, already exceeding the full 2023 total of 29,437. The tragedy capped a four-day surge of 1,485 arrivals — the busiest Christmas period since 2018.
Pas-de-Calais MP Pierre-Henri Dumont warned that winter conditions make the crossing lethally dangerous; even minutes in the frigid water can kill. A UK government spokesperson confirmed French authorities are leading the investigation. Prime Minister Keir Starmer vowed to crush the smuggling gangs through stronger international law-enforcement cooperation and a beefed-up border security command.
Since July’s election, 22,951 have made the journey — up 27% on last year but 30% below the 2022 peak. Since 2018, the cumulative total has passed 150,000, with 150,870 recorded by the PA news agency. The Christmas period pushed the overall figure past that grim milestone. Officials confirmed the incident occurred in French waters, with French authorities directing the response and investigation. Rescue crews deploy rapidly, yet current temperatures mean even brief immersion can prove fatal. Additional departures were reported from the coast on Sunday, according to the French coastguard. The Home Office said it was supporting French authorities in the ongoing search for any other survivors at sea. Figures published Sunday showed 322 people crossed in six boats on Saturday alone, while more arrived in Dover on Sunday. The Independent put the 2024 arrival total at 36,525, up 24% on 2023 but 20% down on the record 2022. PA analysis shows 150,870 people have made the crossing from France since January 1 2018. French coastguards continued searching the waters for additional survivors. The French maritime prefect for the Channel and North Sea confirmed three deaths and 45 rescues.
Sources
- Three migrants die attempting English Channel crossing – BBC News
- Three dead in Channel as migrant crossings continue | The Independent
