A second migrant has died in the English Channel within two days, as hundreds more attempt the dangerous journey to the UK. GB News has confirmed that the migrant, who was airlifted unconscious from the waters off the coast of Dunkirk in the early hours of today, was declared dead before reaching the hospital.
The tragic incident occurred after French authorities rescued 15 people from a dangerously overcrowded small boat. Two other migrants were pulled from the sea, while 12 others requested to be taken off the boat due to safety concerns. Despite the rescue efforts, the unconscious migrant could not be saved.
The small boat involved in the incident had initially carried around 40 people. However, dozens more boarded the vessel near Gravelines, a beach in northern France, forcing some individuals into the water. After rescuing 15 people, French authorities offered further assistance, but the remaining migrants refused and continued their journey toward the UK.
The boat was eventually intercepted by the UK Border Force vessel *Volunteer*, which brought the migrants to the processing center at Dover Harbour. GB News’s Kent producer reported that 70 migrants were taken off the vessel and moved to a holding area for questioning about the earlier events in French waters.
This tragedy follows the death of a 25-year-old migrant in the Pas-de-Calais region yesterday. The young man suffered a cardiac arrest and was taken to the port of Boulogne, where he died despite resuscitation attempts.
The deaths come amid a surge in migrant crossings after more than a week of bad weather had temporarily halted attempts. Yesterday, at least 289 migrants arrived in the UK, and today, GB News confirmed that 215 migrants have already arrived in three small boats. Another boat remains in French waters, heading toward the UK. If it reaches British waters, the total number of migrant arrivals this year will rise to around 5,000.
The Home Office has reiterated its commitment to ending dangerous small boat crossings, which pose significant risks to lives and undermine border security. A spokesperson said, “We all want to end dangerous small boat crossings, which threaten lives and undermine our border security. The people-smuggling gangs do not care if the vulnerable people they exploit live or die, as long as they pay. We will stop at nothing to dismantle their business models and bring them to justice.”
The English Channel remains one of the most perilous routes for migrants seeking to reach the UK. Overcrowded and unseaworthy boats, often operated by ruthless smuggling gangs, put lives at risk. Despite efforts by both French and UK authorities to prevent crossings and rescue those in distress, tragedies continue to occur.
The recent deaths highlight the urgent need for international cooperation to address the root causes of migration, disrupt smuggling networks, and provide safer alternatives for those fleeing conflict, persecution, and poverty. As the number of crossings continues to rise, the human cost of this crisis becomes increasingly apparent.
