Man arrested on suspicion of endangering life over deaths of four people trying to cross Channel

A 27-year-old man from Sudan has been taken into custody on suspicion of endangering life following the deaths of four individuals attempting to board a small vessel crossing the English Channel, according to the National Crime Agency (NCA). The tragic incident occurred off the coast of Saint Etienne au Mont, near Calais, where two men and two women lost their lives trying to get onto a water taxi.

Authorities reported that 38 people were returned to the French shore, while 74 others made it across to the UK. Investigators are currently interviewing those who completed the journey to gather more information about the circumstances. The suspect was apprehended at the Manston processing centre in Kent, a facility that handles small boat arrivals, and is presently held in police custody.

Meanwhile, French prosecutors have opened an investigation into the events that led to the boat’s departure. The NCA is collaborating with French police to support these inquiries, aiming to understand the broader context of this incident. Craig Turner, deputy director of the NCA, emphasized their commitment: “Working with colleagues at home and abroad, we are determined to do all we can to identify and bring to justice those responsible for these four tragic deaths.”

Migration minister Mike Tapp condemned the loss of life, describing every fatality in the Channel as a tragedy. He highlighted ongoing efforts involving law enforcement teams and international partners to prevent such dangerous crossings and to hold accountable those behind the smuggling operations. Tapp also noted that the Border Security Act, passed late last year, has strengthened powers enabling officers to intervene earlier and dismantle criminal networks responsible for facilitating illegal migration

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