Two Women Die on Pas-de-Calais Beach After Channel Boat Carrying 82 Runs Aground
Two women died on Sunday after a vessel carrying 82 individuals ran aground on a beach in northern France. The incident occurred as the boat attempted to cross the English Channel. Christophe Marx, secretary-general of the Pas-de-Calais prefecture, confirmed that the women, aged approximately 20 and believed to be of Sundanese origin, were discovered deceased inside the boat.
In addition to the fatalities, three people sustained serious wounds, and 14 others suffered moderate injuries. The Boulogne-sur-Mer prosecutor’s office has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
A spokesperson for the Home Office expressed sorrow over the deaths, characterising each loss in the Channel as a "tragedy" and a "stark reminder of the dangers posed by criminal gangs exploiting vulnerable people for profit." The Home Office stated its commitment to working with French authorities "to prevent these perilous journeys."
The latest government figures indicate that 597 migrants arrived in the UK via six small boats over the past seven days. In April, the UK and France finalised a new £662 million agreement intended to address Channel crossings. This arrangement includes the deployment of riot-trained police to French beaches, along with drones, helicopters, and a camera system, all aimed at intercepting people smugglers and undocumented migrants.
Channel crossings have steadily increased, with 41,472 individuals arriving in the UK by small boat in 2025. A Home Office spokesperson previously claimed that "over 42,000 illegal migrants attempting to cross the Channel" have been stopped since the last general election, and "almost 60,000 people who were here illegally" have been removed or deported. The stated policy is to "remove the incentives that draw illegal migrants to this country and increase removals and deportations of those with no right to be here."
