Two dead after boat sinks in English Channel, French coastguard says

The French coastguard says that two migrants have died and dozens of others were rescued after a boat sank in the English Channel. A rescue operation was launched on Wednesday as the group tried to make it to England.

Some 48 people were recovered in the search off the coast of Calais after a life jacket was spotted in the sea., and first aid was given to two unconscious people brought on board the Minck ship. They were later confirmed dead in Calais, the French maritime prefecture said.

Two boats and a helicopter were used in the rescue mission, alongside a medical team deployed to Calais. Survivors were looked after by land rescue services while the search continues for anyone who may still be at sea, the authority added.

The Boulogne-sur-Mer public prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation. So far this year, 47 deaths have been reported by the French coastguard, including a baby who died when a boat got into difficulty on Friday.

A total of 28,204 people crossing the Channel have arrived in the UK so far this year, according to Home Office figures. The number of arrivals is 8% higher than the same point in 2023 (26,116) and 25% lower than in 2022 (37,603).