Gravelines

Gravelines is a town in northern France, located on the Channel coast above Calais. It is situated on the Aa canal and is part of the Pas-de-Calais region. Gravelines is newsworthy due to its location being a point of departure for migrants attempting to cross the English Channel to reach the UK. Recently, on April 1, 2026, two migrants died during an attempted crossing from Gravelines, and another was reported missing. This is the first fatal incident in the Channel this year. French officials have also made their first interception of a "taxi-boat" carrying migrants on the Aa canal in Gravelines, signaling a change in tactics to prevent illegal crossings. The UK and France are currently negotiating a new agreement regarding funding for French coastal surveillance to prevent these crossings, as the previous agreement expired on March 31, 2026. The financial aspect of the new agreement is reportedly a point of contention.