Four dead after small boat capsizes trying to cross English Channel
Two men and two women are reported to have lost their lives this morning
Last updated 6 hours ago
Four people have died after trying to cross the English Channel in a small boat, according to French authorities.
The incident has lead to the deaths of two women and two men, Francois Xavier-Lauch, the prefect for Pas-de-Calais, confirmed.
French officials say they were swept away by strong currents while trying to climb onto the dinghy.
Reports suggest it happened around 7am French time in Équihen-Plage, a location near Boulogne, said to not be typically used for launching small boats to Britain.
However, there has reportedly been an increase in such attempts recently from this area.
At least forty-two people were saved this morning, but one is being treated for hypothermia, and dozens more are being cared for by emergency services.
Xavier-Lauch is apparently in discussions with the coastguard, police, and fire service to address the situation.
This marks another fatal incident in the Channel, following a similar incident that resulted in two deaths just eight days ago.
French officials in Calais suggest details of today's deaths may still change.
The exact number of individuals aboard the boat remains unknown.
We're also told a number of dinghies are currently at sea and being monitored by the French authorities.