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Two young women, believed to be of Sudanese descent, died on Sunday while attempting to cross from northern France to the UK in a small boat, authorities reported. The women, approximately 20 years old, were among 82 people aboard a small vessel. Christophe Marx, a regional government official, told reporters that the boat launched at night from Saturday into Sunday but “the engine wouldn’t start,” causing it to drift.
Seventeen people were rescued at sea and transported to Boulogne-sur-Mer port. The remaining 65 individuals on the vessel eventually ran aground on a beach near Neufchâtel-Hardelot, about 7 miles south of Boulogne-sur-Mer. It was confirmed that the women were found dead inside the boat.
Emergency responders also treated 13 individuals with moderate injuries and three with severe wounds, including burns, at the hospital. They are currently receiving care and will be interviewed by border police to establish who was responsible for the crossing. Authorities plan to verify the victims’ nationalities. This tragic event marks the third similar incident at the French-British border in just over a month.
In early April, two migrants died off Gravelines while trying to reach the UK, and another four—two men and two women—died after being swept away by the currents. According to AFP, at least 29 migrants have lost their lives at sea in this region so far in 2025.
Last month, Britain and France signed a new three-year agreement to bolster efforts preventing crossing attempts. France is increasing maritime patrols with more police and gendarmes along the coast, while the UK is boosting its financial contributions. French officials note that the number of arrivals in Britain has significantly decreased compared to the same period in 2025.
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