Sudanese Man Charged in Deaths of Four Migrants During English Channel Crossing

LONDON -- British authorities have charged an alleged boat pilot in connection with the deaths of four migrants who drowned while attempting to cross the English Channel to the United Kingdom. The individual faces charges under a new British immigration law. The law extends UK criminal jurisdiction to address dangerous migrant crossings.

Authorities arrested the individual after migrants reached England following the incident. The deaths occurred off the coast of Calais, France.

French authorities rescued people from the water during the operation.

were wading from the beach to the boat when the fatalities happened.

Smugglers have increasingly used this method as French police puncture inflatable rafts on beaches to prevent launches. Under maritime law, French police do not intercept boats at sea to avoid endangering lives. The National Crime Agency announced the charges.

The English Channel crossing remains a primary route for migrants seeking to enter the UK from France.

Authorities report a surge in attempts and related deaths in recent days. The new UK law aims to prosecute those facilitating such journeys, including pilots of smuggling vessels.