Child, 10, and two women ‘crushed to death’ in Channel crossing attempt

A 10-year-old child and two women have died after they were “likely crushed” in a dinghy while attempting to cross the Channel.

French authorities said 105 people on board the “precarious” migrant dinghy were rescued after calling for assistance at sea.

A medical team was transported to the rescue boat by helicopter to help the survivors, but the child and two women, who were in their 30s, could not be saved.

The survivors were brought to the port of Calais where some nine other people needed non-critical medical attention.

The accident happened after the dinghy had left Bleriot Plage, near Calais, on Monday morning.

Francois-Xavier Lauch, the prefect of Pas-de-Calais, told a press conference on Monday morning: “Apparently there was no drowning, it was likely crushing which is just as dreadful, especially if we think of the 10-year-old child.”

A judicial investigation has been opened to determine the precise circumstances of the tragedy.

Responding to reports, the Prime Minister’s official spokesperson said: “We’re deeply saddened to hear about the deaths in France today.

“It is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by the criminal gangs who exploit vulnerable people for profit, and we will continue to work relentlessly.

“It’s the Prime Minister’s promise to do more to prevent these perilous journeys from happening.”

Some 18,609 people have successfully made the journey so far this year, Home Office figures show.

This is down 42% on this time last year (32,188), and 26% below the figure at this stage in 2024 (25,165).

More than 700 people arrived in the UK on Wednesday – the highest number for a single day so far this year.

Last week also saw two uncontrolled landings, where migrant boats arrived on UK shores without being intercepted by authorities.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood ordered an urgent review by the Border Security Command.

Published: 28/09/2026 by Radio NewsHub