The bodies of two men, believed to be migrants attempting to reach Britain, were discovered on a beach in northern France on Sunday, while French authorities rescued 230 people from the perilous Channel waters.
The first body was found on the sands of Berck, followed by a second located just 300 metres away less than two hours later, according to the Pas-de-Calais prefecture. Officials suspect the men may have been trying to swim towards a small dinghy or “taxi-boat” already at sea.
Similar tragedies have occurred in recent months, with bodies washing up on Calais beaches as overcrowded and unseaworthy boats capsize or passengers fall overboard during chaotic departures.
Despite freezing winter temperatures, attempts to cross the Channel have continued unabated. French maritime authorities reported that a total of 230 people were rescued on Sunday alone.
Among them were 57 migrants who ended up in the water near Gravelines when their boat deflated, leaving one unconscious and two suffering from hypothermia. Later, a distress call was issued by another boat carrying 38 people, followed by 19 individuals pulled from a skiff, while the vessel itself continued with more passengers aboard.
In a separate operation near Dunkirk, authorities rescued 42 people, two of whom were airlifted to hospital. Later in the evening, a patrol boat saved 33 more migrants who had set off earlier in the day but failed to make the crossing.
The English Channel remains one of the most dangerous migration routes in Europe. French authorities reported that at least 76 migrants died attempting the journey in 2024, making it the deadliest year on record.
Yet, despite the increasing dangers, crossings continue as desperate migrants risk their lives in hopes of reaching the UK.
