At least 5 dead trying to cross from France to Britain in small boats

PARIS -- At least five people died while trying to cross the English Channel to Britain off the coast of northern France on Monday night, French media reported.

It is unknown how many migrant boats attempted to set sail during the night. The attempts turned into a tragedy, and at least five people died, reported French daily La Voix du Nord, adding that a major rescue was underway offshore and on the beach of Wimereux.

The region around Calais in northern France is the jumping-off point for the shortest crossing to Britain. In 2023, about 36,000 people made the dangerous crossing in small boats, according to figures by the French maritime authorities.