Overview

• Five migrants, believed to be young Syrian men, died attempting to cross the English Channel from France to the UK in freezing temperatures.
• Over 30 people were rescued, including families with children, with one person in critical condition due to severe hypothermia.
• The incident occurred near the town of Wimereux, with the group attempting to reach a vessel when their small boat got into difficulty.
• Authorities have launched an investigation into 'aggravated manslaughter' and other crimes, with autopsies to determine the cause of death.
• The tragedy has reignited debates around immigration policies, with the British government's plan to deport migrants arriving illegally to Rwanda under scrutiny.