Two migrants die in English Channel following attempted boat crossing
The Government has said their deaths were a "tragic incident"
Last updated 11th Aug 2024
Two migrants attempting to cross the English Channel and reach the UK in a small boat have died.
The incident took place on Sunday afternoon (August 11th), as the migrants attempted to cross the waterway between the UK and continental Europe.
The two migrants had been on a small boat alongside other migrants who had been hoping to successfully cross the water and enter the UK from its south coast.
However, the boat the migrants were travelling on got into difficulty and resulted in the French coast guard being deployed to rescue those travelling.
Those who had been retrieved by French officials have been returned to France, according to the Press Association.
Authorities in France are said to be leading the investigation into the two migrants' deaths, as enquiries continue.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the UK Government 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," the government spokesperson added.
Latest figures from the Home Office have revealed that 17,000 people have crossed the English Channel so far this year.