Two men die of cardiac arrest and two women are severely burnt crossing the Channel in a small boat

From the Newshound archive · first published 5 October 2026 · last updated 6 October 2026.

A fire aboard an overcrowded inflatable killed two men and left two women with serious burns across much of their bodies during a Channel crossing from Berck on Sunday night. Investigators believe a fuel leak ignited the outboard motor, setting off mass panic among the roughly 80 to 90 men, women and children on board. French rescue vessels were stationed about a mile into the Channel but were unable to intervene as the tragedy unfolded.

Three other passengers also required medical attention after extended exposure to fuel during the crossing from the French coastal town of Berck.

A second boat carrying around 149 migrants landed at Gosport, Hampshire, sparking violent protests — 12 people were arrested for affray, assault on officers, and racially aggravated public order offences.

Earlier on Sunday morning, a boat carrying around 80 migrants ran aground at Camiers, and 11 people were pulled to safety suffering from hypothermia.