Three people died in Channel crossing as current year becomes deadliest for migrant journeys

Three people died on Sunday after falling from an overcrowded boat attempting to cross the English Channel from France to the UK, marking 2024 as the deadliest year for such perilous journeys, The Guardian reported.

The small vessel encountered trouble near Blériot-Plage, close to Calais, around 6 a.m., according to French authorities. Rescue operations by sea and helicopter saved 48 people, with 45 treated for hypothermia and four hospitalized in critical condition.

The victims were recovered from the water but were pronounced dead at the scene.
This tragedy brings the year’s death toll for Channel crossings to at least 76, surpassing previous records. French authorities are investigating the incident while continuing rescue efforts along the northern coast, where numerous other small boats have been spotted in recent days.

Favorable weather conditions in late December have encouraged crossings, with 1,485 people making the journey between December 25 and 28. Over 36,000 people have crossed the Channel in 2024, despite UK government pledges to crack down on smuggling networks.