A migrant 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 on board called for assistance. Upon boarding, the rescue crew found one individual in need of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. A rescue helicopter was dispatched, but the migrant was pronounced dead.
Three other individuals were found to be injured, with one requiring urgent medical attention, as per a statement from the Maritime Prefecture of the Channel and the North Sea.
This incident follows a recent increase in crossings, with 494 migrants arriving in the UK on Thursday, marking the first successful Channel crossings in ten days. Seven boats made the journey, the first since 250 people arrived on August 17.
As of late August 2026, approximately 16,391 migrants have crossed the English Channel this year, a decrease of 43% compared to the same period in the previous year and a 17% drop from 2024. UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that while the falling numbers are noted, there is still work to be done. She indicated increased enforcement on French beaches and overseas, alongside new legislation aimed at deterring irregular arrivals.