Three people, including a 10-year-old child, died off Wissant near Calais on 28 September while trying to cross the English Channel to the UK in an inflatable dinghy carrying 105 people. French maritime police said the boat sent a distress call in calm seas; Pas-de-Calais prefect François-Xavier Lauch said the deaths and dozens of injuries were probably caused by crushing rather than drowning. Rescue boats and a medical helicopter responded, and French authorities were still searching the water later that morning.
Why it matters: The deaths add to the toll on one of Europe's most closely watched irregular migration routes and are likely to intensify debate in both France and the UK over smuggling networks, border control, and safe routes for refugees and asylum seekers. The incident also highlights the risks linked to overcrowded "water taxi" departures from northern French beaches.
Rajeev Syal and agencies
2026.09.28
100% relevant
This article establishes a distinct new story about a specific fatal Channel crossing incident on 28 September 2026, rather than updating one of the existing tracked stories.
← Back to all stories