Three migrants die after trying to cross English Channel near Dunkirk

Three migrants have died near Dunkirk after trying to cross the English Channel this morning.

The French coastguard was called after they got into trouble around 6am near Braek beach.

They were found unconscious onboard and taken ashore but were pronounced dead despite resuscitation attempts.

Wednesday was one of the busiest days this year for migrant crossings, with images showing people running to clamber on to packed boats.

Hundreds are believed to have arrived in the UK yesterday and exact numbers will be confirmed later by the government.

The busiest day for arrivals to date in 2026 is 15 June, when 710 made the perilous crossing.

More than 900 also made the journey in the five days following Andy Burnham starting as prime minister last week.

Speaking on Tuesday, Mr Burnham said Labour's plan to reduce the crossing was "working" but there was "more to do".

Numbers are down on last year: The Home Office says 13,376 migrants have arrived so far this year in small boats.

That's 45% lower on this time last year and 19% lower than 2024.

The UK government did a deal with France in April in which it agreed to pay up to £660m - depending on results - to tackle the problem.

But critics accuse French authorities of not doing enough to stop people getting on the boats.

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(c) Sky News 2026: Three migrants die after trying to cross English Channel near Dunkirk

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