Man dies crossing English Channel

Many people arriving in the UK on small boats come from some of the poorest parts of the world (library photo)

A man has died onboard a small boat attempting to reach the UK, French authorities have confirmed.

Those on the boat had been trying to cross the English Channel, but turned back towards Equihen beach in northern France on Saturday morning, the French authorities said.

The man was having a cardiac arrest when the boat returned to French shores, the Pas-de-Calais department's sub-prefecture said.

He died soon after, despite emergency services intervening at the scene.

French authorities say an investigation is under way to determine the circumstances of his death.

Almost 24,000 people have arrived on small boats in the UK in 2025, according to Home Office statistics.

Many come from some of the poorest, most violent and chaotic parts of the world.

A significant proportion are eventually granted asylum, meaning they have proven to the UK authorities they were forced to flee their home countries due to a well-founded fear of persecution.