A new record has been set for clandestine crossings of the English Channel. More than 150 migrants boarded a single inflatable boat that departed from Berck-sur-Mer (Pas-de-Calais) bound for the British coast. On the same day, the body of a man was discovered on a beach in the town, prompting judicial authorities to open an investigation.
According to sea rescue services, the vessel, already damaged during boarding, was carrying an unprecedented number of passengers. The Berck station of the French National Sea Rescue Society (SNSM) intervened to escort the distressed boat to British waters. According to the British press, the 13-meter vessel had 165 people on board, a number never before seen on this type of crossing.
An investigation has been opened following the discovery of a body
Simultaneously with this crossing, the body of a man, possibly a 38-year-old Sudanese national, was found on the beach at Berck. The Boulogne-sur-Mer public prosecutor's office has opened an investigation to determine the circumstances of his death and establish a possible link with the departure of the boat a few hours earlier.
This latest case illustrates the still significant risks associated with crossing the English Channel, despite an overall decrease in clandestine departures during the first half of 2026. French and British authorities are continuing their cooperation to combat smuggling networks, while rescue operations are increasing at sea to prevent further tragedies.
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