Two children among three dead in English Channel overnight - French media

Wednesday, 10 September 2025 10:32

Two children are among three migrants reported dead in the English Channel by French authorities overnight, according to local media.

The deadly incident unfolded off the coast of Sangatte, in Pas-de-Calais, Tuesday night into Wednesday, the region's prosecutor, Laurent Touvet, said at a news conference in Boulogne-sur-Mer on Wednesday.

Two of the three who died were minors, French broadcaster BFMTV reported, quoting Mr Touvet.

Those who died were "likely crushed at the bottom of the boat", which had a total of 38 people on board, he added, and were brought to shore by rescue services at around 5am.

Another three people are "likely" missing, French authorities said.

"Smuggler networks bear the responsibility for these tragedies. The state is determined to combat them," the prosecutor's office said in a post on X.

They thanked police, firefighters, civil protection volunteers, and sea rescue services for scrambling to aid the boats.

It comes a day after a woman was confirmed dead as a result of "small boat activity" in the same waters.

Kent Police said the woman was airlifted to land just after 1pm on Tuesday but was pronounced dead shortly after.

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