A migrant has died after a small boat carrying more than 110 people towards the UK encountered difficulties in the Channel near Gravelines, northern France. French rescuers recovered 72 people after the group called for help, while one person could not be revived despite CPR and the deployment of a rescue helicopter. The incident underlines the continuing dangers of attempting the crossing in overcrowded, unsafe vessels.

Three people were injured, including one requiring urgent medical treatment, according to the French Maritime Prefecture. It followed the arrival of 494 migrants in the UK on Thursday, the first successful crossings for 10 days; 16,391 people have crossed the Channel so far in 2026, 43% fewer than at the same point last year. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the Government would not be complacent and cited increased enforcement in France and new legislation.