Two migrants die in small boat attempting to cross English Channel

Two migrants have died after attempting to cross the English Channel in a small boat.

The incident occurred off-shore between Calais and Dunkirk on Sunday morning, a French maritime official told the BBC.

Roughly 50 people have been saved so far following a rescue operation, which has now finished, according to French authorities.

Lifeboats were dispatched from Dover and Walmer, arrived at the scene of the incident at roughly 8 am.

A Home Office spokesperson told i: “We can confirm there has been a tragic incident in the Channel involving a small boat in French waters which has resulted in the loss of two lives.

“This latest tragedy underlines the terrible dangers of small boat crossings, and we continue to do everything we can to prevent callous criminals exploiting vulnerable people. Our thoughts are with those affected.”

Calm weather this morning prompted the boat to make the journey and authorities are still searching the area.

Around 17,000 migrants have made it into the UK via small boat so far this year according to Home Office statistics, and over 20 have died so far in 2024. Over 200 have died in the past decade.

The Home Office told i that French authorities are taking the lead on the investigation and it will not be commenting further at this stage. 

It confirmed the rescued migrants were returned to France on French Vessels.

This is a breaking story and will be updated.