Two women, believed to be of Sudanese origin, died early Sunday while trying to reach the United Kingdom from northern France in a small, overcrowded boat. The vessel was carrying 82 people.
The boat set out overnight from Saturday to Sunday, but its engine failed shortly after departure, leaving it drifting at sea. Seventeen people were rescued at sea and taken to the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer; the boat with the remaining 65 people on board eventually ran aground on a beach near Neufchatel-Hardelot.
The bodies of the two women, both believed to be around 20 years old, were found inside the boat. Thirteen people sustained moderate injuries, while three others were seriously hurt, including some with burn injuries.
The injured were taken to hospital and will later be questioned by border police as part of an investigation into the circumstances of the crossing and the potential involvement of smuggling networks. Authorities are also working to confirm the victims’ nationalities.
The incident marks the third deadly attempt to cross the Channel in just over a month. On April 1, two migrants died off the coast of Gravelines, and on April 9, four more people were swept away by strong currents.
At least 29 migrants died in the region in 2025, based on official French and British data. In response, Britain and France recently signed a new three-year agreement aimed at curbing crossings, with France increasing coastal patrols and the UK boosting financial support. French officials say arrivals in Britain have dropped significantly so far this year compared to 2025.
