A migrant has died and 72 others were rescued from a boat carrying more than 110 people attempting to reach the United Kingdom, according to the French coastguard.
A rescue vessel was monitoring the boat in the Gravelines area overnight from Thursday to Friday when the migrants onboard called for assistance. The rescue crew discovered one individual in need of CPR, and a helicopter was dispatched. Despite efforts, the migrant was pronounced dead. Three other individuals on the boat required medical attention, with one in urgent need of care, as stated by the Maritime Prefecture of the Channel and the North Sea.
This incident follows a period of increased arrivals, with 494 migrants reaching the UK on Thursday, marking the first successful Channel crossing in ten days. Prior to this, seven boats carrying approximately 250 people arrived on August 17.
In the year-to-date, approximately 16,391 migrants have crossed the Channel, representing a 43% decrease compared to the same period last year and a 17% drop from 2024.
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has stated that the government will not become complacent regarding the declining numbers and emphasized the need for further action. She noted increased enforcement on French beaches and overseas, alongside new legislation aimed at dismantling factors that encourage illegal and unsafe crossings.