Deaths of two Sudanese women on migrant boat attempting UK crossing from France
Officials say the boat drifted before running aground near Neufchatel-Hardelot, prompting an investigation into responsibility as border police interview survivors.
Two young women, believed to be of Sudanese origin, have died following a maritime incident involving a small vessel attempting to cross from northern France to Britain. The tragedy occurred on Sunday after the boat, carrying a total of 82 people, suffered a mechanical failure that prevented the engine from starting.
The vessel set out during the night between Saturday and Sunday but began to drift before eventually running aground near Neufchatel-Hardelot, approximately 12 kilometres south of Boulogne-sur-Mer. Regional government official Christophe Marx confirmed that the two victims were found dead inside the boat, while 65 individuals remained on board until the grounding occurred.
In the aftermath, seventeen people were rescued at sea and transported to the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer. Thirteen others sustained moderate injuries, while three individuals suffered serious wounds, including burns. All injured persons were taken to hospital where they are currently being treated.
Border police are now interviewing survivors to determine responsibility for the crossing. While the exact nationalities of the deceased are still being confirmed through an ongoing investigation, officials have stated that the incident marks the third such tragedy in just over a month at the French-British border.
This event occurs against a backdrop of heightened security measures. Britain and France recently signed a new three-year deal to increase security operations and police patrols along the coast. France has committed to increasing the number of police and gendarmes patrolling the area, while the British government has agreed to increase its financial contribution to these joint operations.
Despite these efforts, the region continues to see significant loss of life. According to an AFP tally based on official French and British sources, at least 29 migrants died at sea in the region in 2025. Previous incidents in the current timeframe include two deaths off the coast of Gravelines on 1 April and four deaths on 9 April due to strong currents.
Official figures indicate that the number of arrivals in Britain so far this year has been drastically cut compared to 2025. However, the recent grounding of the overcrowded vessel underscores the ongoing challenges in managing the border and the risks faced by those attempting irregular crossings.
