A 19-year-old Syrian migrant died while attempting to cross the English Channel from France to the UK, becoming the first reported fatality in 2025.
The young man, part of a group of 60 migrants, was crushed in a leaking dinghy shortly after launching from Sangatte beach near Calais. Rescue teams saved 15 migrants, with one hospitalized in stable condition.
Authorities believe the man suffered cardiac arrest during the chaotic evacuation. A 33-year-old Syrian-born man has been arrested in connection with the incident.
The UK government condemned smugglers for overcrowding unsafe boats, highlighting the growing dangers of Channel crossings. In 2024, over 77 migrants died during such attempts, with nearly 37,000 successful crossings recorded.
