Four people die attempting to cross English Channel in small boat

Two men and two women have died off the coast of northern France trying to cross the English Channel by small boat, local authorities have said.

They died after being swept away by strong currents having tried to board a dinghy, a French government official said.

At least 42 others were rescued in the incident off the coast of Boulogne, between Equihen-Plage and Hardelot-Plage.

Francois-Xavier Lauch, the prefect of Pas-de-Calais, told reporters on Thursday: “We sadly have to report four deaths this morning.

“The people who died were attempting to board a taxi-boat.

“I have to commend the actions of our officers and firefighters who, as you know, are deployed every day to stop these crossings.”

Mr Lauch said emergency services rescued at least 42 people during the incident.

Speaking of the four people who died, he said: “They were already quite far into the sea.

“The currents, which can be dangerous here, swept them away.

“This provisional toll – and I insist that it is provisional – states four deceased: two men, two women.”

One person also suffered hypothermia, and another 37 other people are being treated by emergency services.

A number of other small boats are currently at sea and being monitored by French authorities, including a military helicopter, Mr Lauch added.

“The responsibility lies with the smugglers,” he told reporters.

On Wednesday, French emergency services held a training exercise to practice dealing with migrants in the water at the same beach where the four people are said to have died, pictures taken by the Press Association show.

Responding to the reports, a Government spokesperson said: “We are deeply saddened to hear about the deaths in French waters today.

“Every death in the Channel is a tragedy and a stark reminder of the dangers posed by criminal gangs exploiting vulnerable people for profit.

“We will continue working relentlessly with the French and our partners overseas to prevent these perilous journeys.

“The French authorities are leading the response to this incident and we are supporting their investigation.”

Nearly 5,000 migrants have arrived in the UK by small boat so far this year, according to the latest Home Office data.

The latest incident comes just over a week after two other migrants died in a crossing attempt.

Six other migrants were rescued at Gravelines, near Calais, on April 1, with one of them rushed to hospital for further care.

Last month, UK and French authorities failed to agree a new beach patrol deal aimed at reducing the number of departures.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood signed a £2 million-a-week extension to the current arrangement as the two governments thrash out a longer-term agreement.