One dead and two missing after small boat incident in Channel
The French coastguard confirms four rescue operations took place on Wednesday to help around 180 people.
Wednesday 28 February 2024 21:19, UK
One person has died and two people are missing after a small boat incident in the Channel, the French coastguard has confirmed.
A statement from the organisation said the French navy had carried out four rescue operations on Wednesday, using boats and a helicopter, assisting around 180 people.
But one person rescued was unable to be resuscitated and two people have yet to be found in the water.
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A spokesperson for the UK Home Office earlier confirmed an incident had taken place, adding: "French authorities are leading the response and investigation.
"We will not be commenting further at this stage."
A total of 290 people have made the dangerous crossing in the past week, according to statistics from the Home Office.
It brings the total number this year up to 2,006 people.
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Chief executive of the Refugee Council, Enver Solomon, said: "Our thoughts go out to the families of those affected by the tragic loss of life in the English Channel this afternoon and to all those who valiantly answered the distress call.
"This is yet another avoidable human tragedy."
He called on the government to "rethink its approach" to tackling small boat crossings - including scrapping the Rwanda plan - saying more deaths will take place otherwise.
"We need a plan to provide sanctuary for those fleeing persecution, violence and torture without having to take dangerous journeys by expanding options for family reunion, introducing refugee visas and putting in place an agreement with the French government to give people a fair hearing and treat them with dignity and humanity," Mr Soloman added.