Overview

• Roughly 100 people were on the makeshift boat, about 60 were rescued, and several were treated for hypothermia, including a couple and child taken to Boulogne hospital.
• The incident occurred overnight near Neufchâtel-Hardelot south of Boulogne-sur-Mer in the Pas-de-Calais region, French officials said.
• Boulogne prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation, with investigators examining the boat’s remains and seeking the people-smuggling network behind the launch.
• Recent tallies reported by outlets put this year’s recorded Channel deaths at about 25 following multiple fatal crossings.
• The UK–France “one in, one out” returns scheme has produced only a small number of removals since early August, with GB News reporting seven returns as legal challenges continue and Border Force prepares for several anticipated surge days.