Sudanese woman and 16-year-old girl reportedly die trying to cross Channel

Four people died and dozens were rescued during an attempted English Channel crossing from France to the UK on Thursday near Calais. The incident occurred when a group of migrants encountered difficulties while trying to board an inflatable dinghy offshore. According to the mayor of Equihen-Plage, two women and two men died, and a fifth person is in critical condition. Authorities rescued 38 others, one with a medical emergency, along the coastline between Equihen and Ecault. Despite the incident, the dinghy continued toward the UK. The Boulogne prosecutor has launched an investigation into the deaths, which follow a recent surge in attempted crossings and related fatalities.

Four people, two men and two women, died after a small boat sank in the English Channel off the coast of Boulogne, France. The individuals were reportedly swept away by strong currents while attempting to board a "taxi-boat" used to transport migrants and refugees. The incident occurred on Thursday, a day after 102 people were rescued attempting the same crossing. At least 42 others were rescued, with one suffering from hypothermia and 37 receiving treatment from emergency services. Authorities believe the "taxi-boat" was picking up migrants along the French and Belgian coasts. Refugee organizations are criticizing the lack of safe routes to the UK, arguing it forces desperate people to risk dangerous crossings.