Four people drowned off the coast of northern France on Thursday after attempting to board a water taxi to cross the English Channel. According to local authorities, two men and two women were swept away by dangerous currents while trying to embark near Saint-Etienne-au-Mont, south of Boulogne-sur-Mer in Pas-de-Calais.
Key Takeaways
Four people died after attempting to board a boat to cross the English Channel from northern France. Rescue efforts were launched early Thursday morning off the coast of Saint-Etienne-au-Mont.
- Four individuals drowned while trying to board a water taxi in the Channel
- One person was treated for hypothermia, and 37 others were hospitalized
- The UK government expressed sadness over the tragedy and vowed to combat people smuggling
- Over 41,000 migrants crossed the Channel by small boat in 2025
The incident occurred around 07:30 local time (06:30 BST), prompting an immediate rescue operation. One person was treated for hypothermia and had non-life-threatening injuries, while 37 others were taken to the hospital. The boat continued its journey towards the UK with approximately 30 people on board.
A UK government spokesperson expressed deep sadness over the tragedy, emphasizing the dangers posed by criminal gangs exploiting vulnerable individuals for profit. They pledged to continue working with French authorities and international partners to prevent such perilous journeys.
The number of attempted crossings has increased in recent days due to calm weather conditions. Over the past three years, Channel crossings have surged, with 41,472 people arriving in the UK by small boat in 2025. However, the total for early 2026 is down 33% compared to the same period last year, possibly due to rougher weather conditions.
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