Tragedy as 3 people including 2 children die in English Channel

Two children are among three people to have died in the English Channel overnight, according to local French media. In a separate incident in the Channel, three other people remain missing, French media reported, quoting border officials.

The tragedy occured off the coast of Pas-de-Calais on Tuesday night into Wednesday, according to the region's prosecutor Laurent Touvet who was speaking at a news conference in Boulogne-sur-Mer. He said that those killed were "likely crushed at the bottom of the boat" as he confirmed the second missing vessel. According to French media, a third vessel also got into difficulties in the water. Touvet's office added on X: "Smuggler networks bear the responsibility for these tragedies. The state is determined to combat them."

The incident comes following the death of a woman in the English Channel on Tuesday. Kent Police said the woman was airlifted back to shore, where she was pronounced dead. It comes as Border Force vessels and RNLI lifeboats responded to Channel crossings on Tuesday.

A Kent Police spokeswoman said: "Kent Police was made aware by the coastguard of an incident in the Channel involving a small boat just after 1pm on Tuesday 9 September 2025.

"One woman was airlifted back to shore, where she was pronounced deceased.

"Officers are conducting enquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident."

A Government spokeswoman also confirmed that Border Force responded to reports of a migrant boat in distress in the Channel at 12.45pm on Tuesday.

She added: "One passenger was found unresponsive and was given CPR. Sadly, we can now confirm that this individual has died.

"We are shocked and saddened by this tragic incident. Our immediate thoughts are with all of those who have been affected.

"This latest tragedy underlines the terrible dangers of small boat crossings, and we continue to do everything we can to prevent callous criminals exploiting vulnerable people."

Footage shows people arriving at the Kent port and disembarking from Border Force boats on Tuesday.

A coastguard emergency helicopter was also pictured flying above the area.

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesman had said earlier on Tuesday: "HM Coastguard sent UK Border Force vessels, RNLI lifeboats, and HM Coastguard aircraft, in response to small boat activity reported in the Channel on September 9."

A Border Force boat, carrying suspected migrants thought to have been picked up during the rescue operation, arrived in the Port of Dover just after 3pm.

People, including some children, were seen leaving the ship wearing orange life vests and being met by officials.