Four people died off the coast of northern France attempting to cross to England. This incident contributes to the total number of migrant deaths this year, highlighting the persistent danger of the journey.

Four people died on Thursday off the coast of northern France as they tried to board a small boat to cross the Channel to England, taking the number of such deaths this year to six. France has long been a launchpad for migrants hoping to cross the Channel and start a better life in Britain, usually risking the journey in flimsy, overcrowded vessels.