Four people die in Channel crossing attempt, French authorities say

Four people have died off the coast of northern France after attempting to cross the English Channel, local authorities have said.

"A taxi boat sinking occurred today. The situation is still being assessed and remains subject to change," local French authorities in Calais said in a press statement carried by Reuters.

French media is reporting that rescue efforts are under way on Thursday morning after the incident off the coast of Boulogne, between the beaches of Équihen and Écault, south of Calais.

A press conference is expected to be held shortly.

Around 30 people are being cared for by emergency services, local media is reporting.

Firefighters and intensive care units arrived at the scene at 07:30 local time (06:30 BST).

After weeks of difficult conditions, the weather in the Channel has been calm over the last few days. Crossings tend to increase in the summer months.

Over the past three years, crossings in the Channel have increased, with 41,472 people arriving in the UK by small boat in 2025.

Between 1 January and 26 March 2026, a total of 4,441 people crossed the English Channel by small boat from France.

This is 33% lower than the number who had reached the UK by this point in 2025, which was 6,642, although weather conditions may have played a part in this, with rougher conditions in the Channel compared with the same period in 2025.