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French police probe death of Channel migrant 'who was attacked by fellow passengers' on overcrowded boat

A record 230 migrants were crammed onto a single Channel dinghy in a separate incident, as this year's crossing total stands at 16,391 despite a 43% fall on the same point last year.
A record 230 migrants were crammed onto a single Channel dinghy in a separate incident, as this year's crossing total stands at 16,391 despite a 43% fall on the same point last year.

One migrant died and 72 were rescued after a boat with more than 110 people aboard attempted the Channel crossing during the night between Thursday and Friday. French police are investigating whether the dead man was assaulted by fellow passengers. A rescue vessel near Gravelines was already monitoring the boat when those on board called for help; crew found one person requiring CPR, and a helicopter was sent, but the man could not be saved. Three others sustained injuries, one of them serious enough to need urgent medical attention.

Conditions that night were treacherous, with heavy thunderstorms and strong winds battering the Channel, yet the crossing was attempted regardless.

A total of 16,391 migrants have reached Britain by Channel crossing in 2026 to date, a fall of 43% on the equivalent point last year. Thursday's 494 arrivals marked the first successful crossing in ten days.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she would not be 'complacent' about the declining figures, stressing there is 'more we must do' to stop illegal crossings.

MoreThe TelegraphMigrant dies and 72 rescued while crossing ChannelGB NewsSmall boat migrant dies and over 70 others rescued in desperate attempt to cross ChannelThe IndependentOne person dead and 72 rescued from small boat trying to reach UKAOL News UKPerson dies with 72 rescued from small boat trying to reach UKThe SunFrench probe death of UK-bound boat migrant 'who was attacked by passengers'
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