Four migrants died during a dangerous small-boat crossing in the English Channel after being swept away by strong currents while attempting to board a dinghy at Equihen‑Plage near Boulogne‑sur‑Mer.

Authorities arrested a 27-year-old Sudanese national at the Manston processing centre on suspicion of endangering life under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act.

The vessel involved was described as a “taxi-boat,” a smuggling tactic where boats move along northern French and Belgian coasts picking up migrants from beaches, forcing them to wade into deep waters to board.

A rescue operation recovered victims while 38 people were returned to shore and 74 migrants continued toward the United Kingdom, with two children hospitalized as a precaution and another individual treated for hypothermia.

The incident comes amid rising Channel crossings and growing policy tensions between the United Kingdom and France over enforcement strategies. More than 5,000 migrants have crossed so far this year, with concerns of increased summer activity.

Discussions over joint patrols and interception measures in French waters remain unresolved due to sovereignty concerns, despite additional UK funding for anti-crossing operations.

The tragedy also follows similar recent fatalities and ongoing enforcement efforts aimed at disrupting smuggling networks and preventing further dangerous crossings.