3 arrested over deaths of people attempting to cross English Channel

LONDON -- Three men have been arrested in connection with the deaths of five people who were attempting to cross the English Channel, UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) said on Wednesday.

Investigators are questioning them on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration and entering the UK illegally, said Craig Turner, deputy director of investigations of the NCA.

Five people - including a seven-year-old girl - died while trying to cross the English Channel to Britain off the coast of northern France on Tuesday. The boat was believed to be carrying 112 people on board when it could only safely carry around 20 people.

"This tragic incident demonstrates the threat to life posed by these crossings and brings into focus why it is so important to target these criminal gangs involved in organising them," Turner said in a statement.

Data from UK's Home Office showed that over 6,000 migrants have arrived in the UK in small and overcrowded boats since the start of 2024.