small boats migrants (Image: Getty)
Two migrants have died trying to cross the English Channel in a small boat.
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Link Sponsored Link
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Free Covid Test
US Government is Providing Free Covid Test Kits Again, Get Yours Now Before They Are All Gone AgainFree Covid Test Search Now
Undo
The "tragic incident" happened today, a UK government spokesperson said.
About 50 migrants were rescued from the same small boat, according to reports.
It is understood those who were rescued were returned to France.
Sponsored
Celestial Hive
Celestial HiveBear Approaches Runner, Her Decision To Follow Unveils The Truth!
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Get the latest politics news straight to your phone Join us on WhatsApp Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
The incident happened offshore between Calais and Dunkirk, a French maritime official said.
More than 20 people have died this year attempting to cross the world’s busiest shipping lane in dangerously overloaded dinghies.
Several boats carrying migrants launched from beaches in northern France on Sunday after a period of windy conditions.
Fine weather in the morning prompted several groups to take to the water.
The government spokesperson said: "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."
Small boat crossings are continuing as the number of migrants arriving in the UK via the English Channel looks set to pass 17,000 so far in 2024.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he plans to curb small boat arrivals to the UK by taking tougher measures to "smash" criminal people smuggling gangs.
Mr Starmer's Labour Party pledged to use investigators and counter-terror powers against people smugglers.
A strategy by the previous Conservative government to deport migrants to Rwanda was scrapped by Labour when the party entering office.
DON'T MISS
Powered by
Full list of surnames associated with most unclaimed estates - is your name on it?
1 Comments
Lanzarote follows Ibiza, Tenerife with rare 'black flag alert' as UK tourists warned away
20 Comments
The beautiful European island begging for British tourists to visit as it's so underrated
6 Comments
The 'foodie paradise' named one of the UK's top seaside spots, according to visitors
1 Comments
Blackpool Pier major update after woman falls through in front of terrified families
6 Comments
Italy's stunning beach so beautiful only a certain number of tourists are allowed to visit
Comments
The beautiful French island 9,800 miles away planning to cap tourists to one per local
4 Comments
The pretty European town with scorching 34C heat and ￡19 flights from UK in August
Comments
Huge country set to make major change on tourist tax as residents make big complaint
3 Comments
The gorgeous European island frozen in time with hardly any British tourists
Comments
Beautiful holiday spot to go island-hopping like Brehat with barely any tourists
1 Comments
Fuming Isle of Wight locals 'held to ransom' by ferry companies with ￡440 return trips
81 Comments
UK riots LIVE: The tiny news website accused of causing chaos on British streets
412 Comments
Nigel Farage branded 'treacherous little snake' as Piers Morgan ignites feud
256 Comments
Fresh blow for Keir Starmer as 700 migrants cross the Channel in a single day
2472 Comments
Chaos as new pictures show dinghies struggling to stay afloat as migrants head for UK
Comments
Chinese warships sail through English Channel on way to Putin's Russian Navy Day event
22 Comments
Ruthless smugglers mob French beaches with migrants in 'deadly' new tactic
866 Comments
Health Insight Journal
Seniors with Sciatica Pain: You Need to See ThisHealth Insight Journal
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Urgent search for British doctor, 67, missing in mountains after texting family 'help'
5 Comments
Nigel Farage sets out three-point plan to end UK riots
2644 Comments
Full list of surnames associated with most unclaimed estates - is your name on it?
1 Comments
Lanzarote follows Ibiza, Tenerife with rare 'black flag alert' as UK tourists warned away
20 Comments
The beautiful European island begging for British tourists to visit as it's so underrated
6 Comments
The 'foodie paradise' named one of the UK's top seaside spots, according to visitors
1 Comments
Blackpool Pier major update after woman falls through in front of terrified families
6 Comments
Italy's stunning beach so beautiful only a certain number of tourists are allowed to visit
Comments
The beautiful French island 9,800 miles away planning to cap tourists to one per local
4 Comments
The pretty European town with scorching 34C heat and ￡19 flights from UK in August
Comments
Huge country set to make major change on tourist tax as residents make big complaint
3 Comments
The gorgeous European island frozen in time with hardly any British tourists
Comments
Beautiful holiday spot to go island-hopping like Brehat with barely any tourists
1 Comments
Fuming Isle of Wight locals 'held to ransom' by ferry companies with ￡440 return trips
81 Comments
UK riots LIVE: The tiny news website accused of causing chaos on British streets
412 Comments
Nigel Farage branded 'treacherous little snake' as Piers Morgan ignites feud
256 Comments
Fresh blow for Keir Starmer as 700 migrants cross the Channel in a single day
2472 Comments
Chaos as new pictures show dinghies struggling to stay afloat as migrants head for UK
Comments
Chinese warships sail through English Channel on way to Putin's Russian Navy Day event
22 Comments
Ruthless smugglers mob French beaches with migrants in 'deadly' new tactic
866 Comments
Urgent search for British doctor, 67, missing in mountains after texting family 'help'
5 Comments
Nigel Farage sets out three-point plan to end UK riots
2644 Comments
Full list of surnames associated with most unclaimed estates - is your name on it?
1 Comments
Lanzarote follows Ibiza, Tenerife with rare 'black flag alert' as UK tourists warned away
20 Comments
The beautiful European island begging for British tourists to visit as it's so underrated
6 Comments
The 'foodie paradise' named one of the UK's top seaside spots, according to visitors
1 Comments
Blackpool Pier major update after woman falls through in front of terrified families
6 Comments
Italy's stunning beach so beautiful only a certain number of tourists are allowed to visit
Comments
The beautiful French island 9,800 miles away planning to cap tourists to one per local
4 Comments
Tactical X Abs
New Fat Burning "Ab Machine" Leaves Experts Speechless (It's Genius!)Tactical X Abs
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
The Rwanda plan cost at least ￡220million but zero migrants were ever deported to the east African country.