Two men and two women have died off the coast of northern France trying to cross the Channel to Britain by small boat, local authorities have said.
They died after being swept away by strong currents having tried to board a dinghy, a French government official said.
At least 42 others were rescued in the incident off the coast of Boulogne, between Equihen-Plage and Hardelot-Plage.
Francois-Xavier Lauch, the prefect of Pas-de-Calais, told reporters on Thursday: “We sadly have to report four deaths this morning.
“The people who died were attempting to board a taxi-boat.
“I have to commend the actions of our officers and firefighters who, as you know, are deployed every day to stop these crossings.”
Mr Lauch said emergency services rescued at least 42 people during the incident.
Speaking of the four people who died, he said: “They were already quite far into the sea.
“The currents, which can be dangerous here, swept them away.
“This provisional toll – and I insist that it is provisional – states four deceased: two men, two women.”
One person also suffered hypothermia, and another 37 other people are being treated by emergency services.
A number of other small boats are currently at sea and being monitored by French authorities, including a military helicopter, Mr Lauch added.
“The responsibility lies with the smugglers,” he told reporters.
On Wednesday, French emergency services held a training exercise to practice dealing with migrants in the water at the same beach where the four people are said to have died, pictures taken by the eSporty News show.
