A Sudanese man has been arrested following the deaths of four migrants during a Channel crossing attempt off the northern coast of France.
The National Crime Agency said the 27-year-old was detained on Friday morning at the Manston processing centre in Kent on suspicion of endangering life during a sea journey to the UK. The arrests come after two men and two women died on Thursday while attempting to board a small “taxi boat” near Saint-Étienne-au-Mont, close to Calais. The victims, who included a brother and sister, were swept away by strong currents. Authorities said 38 people were returned to shore following the incident, while a further 74 continued their journey and reached the UK.
The suspect remains in custody and is being questioned by NCA officers, who are also speaking to individuals who made the crossing.
A parallel investigation has been launched in France, led by a prosecutor examining the circumstances surrounding the launch of the vessel. UK authorities are assisting with the inquiry.
Craig Turner, deputy director of the NCA, said: “Working with colleagues at home and abroad, we are determined to do all we can to identify and bring to justice those responsible for these four tragic deaths.”
The incident is the latest in a series of fatal crossings in the Channel, with multiple deaths reported in recent days as migrants continue to attempt the dangerous journey in small boats.
Migration minister Mike Tapp said: “Every death in the Channel is a tragedy. Our experienced law enforcement teams will continue working relentlessly with international partners to prevent these perilous journeys and bring those responsible to justice.
“Through our Border Security Act, officers now have stronger powers to act earlier and disrupt, intercept and take down the operations of criminal smuggling gangs who bring illegal migrants to our shores.”
The Channel remains one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, making small boat crossings particularly hazardous, especially in poor weather or strong currents.
Authorities on both sides of the Channel continue efforts to disrupt people smuggling networks and prevent further loss of life.