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Two young Sudanese women have died after a crowded migrant boat attempting to cross the English Channel encountered difficulties off the northern coast of France, in what officials describe as the third fatal incident in just over a month.
Local authorities say the vessel, carrying 82 people, including pregnant women and children, departed overnight from near Neufchâtel-Hardelot, south of Boulogne-sur-Mer. Christophe Marx, a regional official, confirmed that the boat ran into trouble shortly after setting out. “The engine wouldn’t start,” he said, explaining that the vessel began drifting at sea.
Rescue teams saved 17 people and transported them to Boulogne-sur-Mer. The remaining 65 passengers eventually reached shore when the boat ran aground near Neufchâtel-Hardelot. However, two women, believed to be in their late teens and early twenties, were found dead inside the vessel. Marx stated that “they did not drown,” suggesting instead that the deaths were caused by suffocation, a risk often linked to overcrowded conditions on such crossings.
Neufchâtel-Hardelot mayor Paulette Julien-Peuvion described the situation as deeply troubling. “We can’t see the end of this story. No one has the real solutions. And it’s tragic,” she said, noting that several vulnerable individuals, including pregnant women, were on board. She added that one of the victims may have suffered cardiac arrest after being crushed under the weight of other passengers in the tightly packed boat.
Emergency services also treated several survivors. Authorities reported chemical burns affecting three individuals due to a mixture of fuel and seawater, while others sustained minor injuries. An investigation has been launched to determine responsibility for organising the crossing.
Advocacy group Utopia 56 criticised current border measures, saying that “repressive policies at the Franco-British border are killing,” and argued that safer, legal migration routes are urgently needed.
The UNHCR echoed concerns, saying it was “deeply saddened” and emphasised the need to prevent dangerous journeys.
Earlier in April, multiple deaths were recorded in separate Channel crossing attempts. According to official data, at least 29 migrants died in the region in 2025. Despite a recent three-year agreement between France and Britain to tighten coastal security and reduce crossings, thousands continue to attempt the journey, often under life-threatening conditions.
