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Two men die in English Channel crossing attempt off northern France
Overview
Two men have died and two women were hospitalised with burns after an overloaded boat carrying migrants attempted to cross the English Channel off the coast of Berck in northern France. French rescue services found around 80 people on board the vessel, with approximately 20 others left stranded in the water. An investigation into the deaths has been opened by the Boulogne-sur-Mer public prosecutor's office.
Key points
- Two men in their 30s and 40s died following a Channel crossing attempt off Berck, northern France.
- Rescuers found an overcrowded boat with about 80 people on board and approximately 20 people left stranded in the water.
- Two women suffered burns from a mixture of gasoline and seawater and were taken to hospital.
- The Boulogne-sur-Mer public prosecutor's office has opened an investigation into the deaths.
- Separately, the UK Home Office reported that 149 migrants were picked up in a mid-Channel rescue and brought to Gosport, where anti-migrant demonstrators gathered.