Migrant dies trying to cross Channel

A migrant has died while trying to cross the English Channel in a small boat, as the UK continues to see record numbers of arrivals by sea this year.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) confirmed it had launched its all-weather lifeboat on Friday morning in response to an incident at sea. A group of migrants was later brought ashore at Dover by a UK Border Force vessel. Outside the Dover Lifeboat Station, a blue forensic tent was erected, indicating the seriousness of the situation.

Authorities have not yet confirmed how many people were on board the small boat at the time of the crossing attempt.

A spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: “HM Coastguard sent UK Border Force vessels, RNLI lifeboats, and a search and rescue helicopter after reports of small boat activity in the Channel on 18 April. People were recovered to the UK.”

Kent Police stated that officers were called at 8:26 a.m. following reports that Border Force personnel were dealing with a medical emergency on board a small boat in the Channel. “A man has since been pronounced deceased,” the police confirmed in a statement.

An investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the man's death. Police emphasized that efforts are currently focused on identifying the deceased individual and informing his family. Officers remain present at the Dover Lifeboat Station as initial inquiries continue.

A government spokesperson expressed condolences, saying: “This morning, Border Force responded to a medical emergency on board a small boat entering UK waters. It is with regret that we can confirm one individual has died, and our thoughts are with them and their loved ones.”

The spokesperson added: “Investigations are ongoing and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time, but we want to thank those who responded to this incident and who continue to work tirelessly to secure our borders and protect lives at sea.”

This latest death comes just days after 705 people arrived in the UK by small boats on Tuesday—marking the highest daily total of 2025 so far. While still below the record of 1,305 set on 3 September 2022, the number reflects a growing trend in Channel crossings.

The year 2025 has already become the busiest on record for small boat arrivals since data collection began in 2018. As of earlier this week, provisional figures indicated a total of 8,888 people had crossed the Channel in small boats since the beginning of the year.

The rising numbers have renewed concerns about the safety of those making the perilous journey and the ongoing challenges facing UK authorities as they try to manage the situation. Despite increased patrols and joint operations with French authorities, dangerous crossings continue—often under hazardous weather conditions and in overcrowded, unseaworthy vessels.

Human rights groups have repeatedly warned about the risks migrants face when attempting to reach the UK via the English Channel. The latest fatality underscores the peril of the journey and the urgent need for long-term, humane solutions to the ongoing migrant crisis.