Three people, including two children, have died in a tragic incident involving a migrant boat in the English Channel. French authorities reported the fatalities overnight, with the incident occurring off the coast of Pas-de-Calais. Laurent Touvet, the region's prosecutor, confirmed the deaths during a news conference, stating that the victims were "likely crushed at the bottom of the boat" which was carrying 38 individuals.

The bodies of the deceased were recovered and brought back to shore around 5am on Wednesday morning. In a statement on X, the prosecutor's office expressed sorrow over the incident, saying, "A new tragedy occurred last night off the coast of Pas-de-Calais; 3 migrants lost their lives, 3 other people are likely missing."

The prosecutor's office attributed the deaths to the actions of smuggling networks, declaring, "Smuggler networks bear the responsibility for these tragedies. The state is determined to combat them." They also extended gratitude to the police, gendarmes, firefighters, civil protection volunteers, EPDAHAA agents, local elected officials, and sea rescue services for their efforts in assisting those affected by the shipwreck.

In a separate incident, three additional individuals were reported missing, as another boat encountered difficulties in the same area. This alarming situation follows recent reports to MPs regarding the disturbing practices of smugglers, who are allegedly sedating children before placing them on small boats for perilous crossings of the Channel.