Four migrants have died while trying to reach the UK after one of the busiest days for Channel crossings this year.
Three people were found dead on a boat off the coast of Dunkirk on Thursday, the French coastguard said, and a fourth is thought to have drowned in a separate incident near Boulogne-sur-Mer.
The deaths come a day after Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the Government’s plan to curb Channel crossings was “working”, although he admitted there was “more to do”.
A boat was spotted at about 6am with three people on board who were found unresponsive.
They were taken to shore by rescue crews and paramedics confirmed they had died, according to a translation of a statement from the Prefecture maritime de la Manche et de la mer du Nord.
A judicial investigation has been launched after a man thought to be between 30 and 40 died in a separate incident hours earlier, when a dinghy capsized off the coast of Plage d’Hardelot.
A one-year-old was among six people rescued and treated by emergency services, the prefet of Pas-de-Calais said.
Wednesday was one of the busiest days for crossings so far this year, with a steady stream of attempts throughout the day amid hot, sunny weather and calm conditions at sea.
The Home Office is yet to confirm the number of people who arrived in the UK after making the journey.
A UK Government spokeswoman said: “We are deeply saddened to hear about these deaths.
“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 and investigation into this incident.”
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