A man has died after attempting to cross the English Channel from the northern coast of France, local authorities confirmed on Saturday.
Emergency services were called after a small boat carrying several people turned back toward the French coast and made landfall near Équihen beach, close to Boulogne-sur-Mer.
The man, who has not yet been identified, was found in cardiac arrest on board the vessel.
Despite efforts by firefighters and medical teams to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead at the scene. French officials have launched an investigation into the exact cause of death.
This incident brings the number of people who have died attempting to reach the UK by sea in 2025 to at least 18, based on figures from the French Interior Ministry.
The route across the English Channel, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, has become increasingly dangerous for those making the journey in overcrowded and unsafe boats.
Crossings are frequently organized by smuggling networks that use flimsy, inflatable vessels.
These are often overloaded with dozens of people, making them highly vulnerable to capsizing or mechanical failure.
Most departures take place at night or in poor weather to avoid detection by patrols, further increasing the risks.
According to recent reports, more than 12,500 people have arrived in the UK via small boats so far this year.
The number of attempted crossings remains high despite efforts by French and British authorities to step up patrols and dismantle smuggling operations.
In 2024, at least 73 people died while trying to cross the Channel—more than in any previous year. By mid-2025, the total death toll from such crossings since 2018 had reached over 230.
The tragedy near Boulogne-sur-Mer highlights the continuing danger faced by migrants attempting the journey, often with limited safety equipment and little hope of rescue if something goes wrong.