Four migrants drown attempting Channel crossing from France

The migrants were attempting to board a “taxi boat,” a method used to evade coastal security. Local prosecutor Cecile Gressier confirmed the victims were all adults and criticized smugglers for exploiting migrants’ desperation.

Two similar deaths occurred last week. France has long been a departure point for dangerous Channel crossings, with nearly 50,000 people attempting the route last year. Small-boat migration remains a politically sensitive issue between Paris and London.