By Staff Reporter
FRANCE- Two young Sudanese women have died after an overcrowded migrant boat attempting to cross from northern France to the United Kingdom ran into trouble, marking the third deadly incident in just over a month.
The victims, believed to be around 20 years old, were among 82 people crammed into a small vessel that departed overnight from near Neufchâtel-Hardelot. Authorities suspect the women suffocated due to overcrowding, a tragic but increasingly common occurrence in such crossings.
According to aid group Utopia 56, one of the victims may have been as young as 16. A pregnant woman onboard was left in critical condition, while several others suffered injuries, including chemical burns caused by a mixture of fuel and seawater.
The boat reportedly encountered mechanical failure shortly after departure, with its engine failing to start. Seventeen people were rescued at sea and taken to Boulogne-sur-Mer, while the remaining passengers drifted until the vessel ran aground near the original departure point. The two women were later found dead inside the boat.
Local officials suggested the deaths may have resulted from crushing and lack of air at the bottom of the overcrowded vessel. “They did not drown,” one official noted, pointing instead to suffocation as the likely cause.
The mayor of Neufchâtel-Hardelot expressed deep sorrow, highlighting the presence of vulnerable passengers, including pregnant women and children, fleeing difficult circumstances.
An investigation is now underway to determine responsibility for organizing the crossing.
Aid organizations have strongly criticized the migration policies of both France and the United Kingdom, arguing that stricter border controls are forcing migrants into increasingly dangerous journeys. Utopia 56 described the situation as a direct consequence of “political choices,” calling for the creation of safe and legal migration routes.
This latest tragedy follows similar incidents in early April, where multiple migrants lost their lives attempting the same crossing. In 2025 alone, at least 29 people died in the Channel region, according to official data.
Despite a recent agreement between France and the UK to increase coastal security and reduce crossings, the risks remain high. While officials report a drop in arrivals this year, thousands continue to attempt the perilous journey, often with deadly consequences.
