Two people have died and two others were injured attempting to cross the English Channel in a small boat, French authorities reported, amid ongoing tensions related to migrant crossings. The fatalities occurred during an overnight journey from Berck on the French coast toward England’s south coast. The two deceased men were reported to be in their 30s and 40s, while two women sustained burns over large areas of their bodies and were hospitalized.
French officials confirmed an investigation has been launched by the Boulogne-sur-Mer public prosecutor’s office to clarify the circumstances surrounding the deaths. François-Xavier Lauch, the prefect of Pas-de-Calais, expressed gratitude to all emergency services involved, including firefighters, for their efforts during the incident.
In parallel, in Gosport, Hampshire, police made 12 arrests in connection with violent disorder during protests against the arrival of another migrant boat. The demonstrators, numbering around 350, had gathered after rumors circulated that rescued individuals would disembark there. Hampshire and Isle of Wight police reported assaults on both a police officer and an emergency worker, alongside charges including affray and racially aggravated public order offenses. Several officers sustained minor injuries.
Simon Dodds, assistant chief constable, condemned the violence, emphasizing that criminal behavior will not be tolerated and affirming that investigations and robust action would follow. He also urged respect for officers and emergency personnel, highlighting concerns over online abuse and threats targeting those involved in the operation.
The recent unrest in coastal towns comes despite a decline in small boat crossings across the Channel this year. The provisional total for 2026 stands at 19,451, marking a 43% decrease compared to the same period last year and 23% below the figure at the same time in 2024.
The boat involved in the latest incident was shadowed by French rescue vessels before being met by Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) boats in English waters. Approximately 149 people were on board and were safely transported to shore. The UK Home Office confirmed that individuals arriving by small boats are taken to short-term holding facilities in Kent, where they undergo health, security, and biometric checks as part of the border processing procedure.
This crossing, originating from further west along the French coast than usual, marks the third such attempt in a month. Earlier in September, a dinghy carrying 51 people, who had refused assistance from the French coastguard, was intercepted by British rescue boats after spending around 30 hours at sea. Those individuals were processed after arriving in Dover, where protests had also occurred following expectations they would be taken to Gosport.
Authorities continue to navigate complex challenges associated with Channel crossings amid heightened political and social tensions, with efforts ongoing on both sides of the Channel to manage migrant arrivals and address public order concerns.