Four people have died in two separate attempts to cross the English Channel from France to Britain in small boats, French authorities announced Thursday.
In one incident, three individuals were recovered near Dunkirk after a boat was reported around 6 a.m. Rescue teams brought the individuals ashore, where their deaths were confirmed. The maritime prefecture for the English Channel and the North Sea confirmed the details of this event.
A separate incident occurred late Wednesday when a small boat capsized off Hardelot on France's northwest coast. The Pas-de-Calais prefecture stated that one man, estimated to be between 30 and 40 years old, died. Six other individuals sustained minor injuries, including a one-year-old child, and received treatment from emergency services.
A judicial investigation has been initiated to determine the cause of the capsizing incident.