Overview
- The attempt near Équihen-Plage turned into a Thursday morning wreck that killed at least four people, with bodies recovered off Saint-Étienne-au-Mont.
- Rescuers took charge of roughly 30 to 37 survivors, and one person was treated for hypothermia as several others were found in cardio-respiratory arrest.
- Authorities say a 'taxi-boat' was involved, a smuggling method that collects people from the water to dodge beach patrols and often leads to overcrowding and greater drowning risk.
- The Pas-de-Calais prefecture said the toll could change and noted that state services and sea rescue teams are fully mobilized.
- The deaths follow a fatal embarkation on April 1 near Gravelines, bringing April’s known toll to six, as maritime officials reported rescuing 102 people on several boats the day before.