Four Migrants Die in Channel Crossing Attempt

Reports by the French coastguard have revealed the death of four migrants after a boat capsized during an attempt to cross the English Channel.

At midnight, a navy patrol boat was alerted that migrants had fallen into the sea off the coast of Boulogne-sur-Mer in northern France.

Four people found "unconscious" could not be saved, police added, while 63 were rescued.

According to early details from the coastguard, a helicopter and fishing vessel also helped in the rescue effort.

Over 13,000 people have crossed the English Channel so far this year.

On 18 June, 882 people crossed the Channel on 15 small boats – a new record for the year so far.

According to Home Office data, those arrivals were the highest in a single day since October 2022.

Home Office figures show 484 migrants crossed the Channel on Monday and Tuesday.

Earlier this week, the new Labour government has put out plans to tackle the small boat crisis.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper noted that a leader of the UK's new Border Security Command will be appointed within weeks.

The government hopes the new body will reduce small boat crossings in the English Channel.