Four migrants die trying to cross Channel: French officials

"The latest deaths show that smugglers continue to 'enrich themselves' by 'exploiting the misery and distress' of migrants trying to reach Britain."

"A large number of emergency service vehicles and rescuers gathered on the beach after the latest deaths, with many migrants wrapped in thermal blankets."

"The boat had 'continued on its way' carrying about 30 other people after the failed attempt by the other migrants to board it."

"'We demand a clear strategy,' said the mayor of Calais, highlighting the need for more resources to address the ongoing crisis."

Four migrants, two men and two women, drowned off the coast of northern France while trying to board a boat. This incident increased the total number of small boat deaths this year to six. The migrants were attempting to board a 'taxi boat' to evade security forces. Emergency services responded quickly, treating one person for hypothermia and taking two children to the hospital. Local officials criticized smugglers for exploiting migrants and called for more resources and a clear strategy to address the ongoing crisis.

Read at The Local France