Baby dies after migrant boat gets into difficulty crossing English Channel

A P677 Cormoran Flamant-class patrol vessel of the French Navy sails on Calais' harbour, northern France, during a rescue operation mobilizing French and British resources
-Credit: (Image: Bernard BARRON / AFP) (Photo by BERNARD BARRON/AFP via Getty Images)


A baby has died after a migrant boat crossing the English Channel got into difficulty. Another 65 migrants were rescued after the incident off the coast of Wissant in the Pas-de-Calais region on Thursday evening (October 17).

The French maritime prefecture for the English Channel and the North Sea said those rescued were taken back to the port at Boulogne-sur-Mer. A French navy patrol boat and a helicopter were used in the rescue and recovery operation.

The baby was found unconscious following the incident and later declared dead. Authorities said searches are ongoing to find any more missing people. An investigation has been launched by the public prosecutor’s office in Boulogne-sur-Mer.

READ MORE: Every word of 'devastated' Harry Styles' emotional tribute to 'lovely friend' Liam Payne

A total of 27,509 people have arrived in the UK in small boats so far this year after crossing the channel – 5 per cent higher than the equivalent point last year. The total arrivals is 26 per cent lower than the same point in 2022.

Looking for more from MyLondon? Subscribe to our daily newsletters here for the latest and greatest updates from across London.