Channel death toll hits record high as three people drown

Three people drowned yesterday falling from an overcrowded small boat heading from France to the UK, as 2024 became the deadliest year yet for the perilous crossings.

- Angelique Chrisafis Paris Diane Taylor

The boat ran into trouble at about 6am near Blériot-Plage, a public beach in Sangatte close to the port of Calais, emergency services said.

Several people fell into the water trying to board the overcrowded vessel. The Calais prefect's office and French maritime authorities said that 48 had been rescued and 45 had needed urgent medical help - the majority for hypothermia, four of whom were rushed to hospital.

A rescue mission by sea and air was launched from the French coast as soon as the boat was seen in difficulty. A French naval helicopter recovered the three victims from the water and they were pronounced dead by medical services. An investigation has been opened by prosecutors in Boulogne.

Operations continued along the French coast yesterday to identify any other small boats in danger.