A dangerous attempt to reach the UK has ended in tragedy.
Four people have died during an English Channel crossing attempt off the northern coast of France, authorities have confirmed. The English Channel crossing deaths in France occurred near Saint-Étienne-au-Mont in the Pas-de-Calais region.
According to local officials, two men and two women were swept away by strong currents while trying to board a small boat already in the water. The victims were attempting to reach a so-called “taxi-boat” used by smuggling networks to transport migrants across the Channel.
Emergency services launched rescue operations early Thursday morning. One person was treated for hypothermia, while 37 others were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Despite the incident, the boat continued its journey toward the United Kingdom with around 30 people on board.
Authorities say people-smuggling groups are increasingly using taxi-boat methods to avoid police patrols. Instead of departing from monitored beaches, boats collect migrants waiting in the sea at remote locations, increasing the risks involved.
The English Channel crossing deaths in France come as authorities continue to monitor migration routes across the Channel. While crossings in early 2026 are lower than they were during the same period last year, thousands of people have still made the journey.
Officials in both France and the UK have warned about the dangers of these crossings, stressing that criminal networks are exploiting vulnerable individuals.
The English Channel crossing deaths in France highlight the ongoing risks of irregular migration and the urgent need for safer alternatives.