Paris, April 01 (QNA) - French maritime authorities announced Wednesday the deaths of two migrants while attempting to cross the English Channel to reach Britain.

Local sources reported that rescue teams responded to a distress call from eight people after they attempted to board a boat off the northern coast of France.

They added that authorities transported a woman to the hospital in stable condition, while five other survivors were detained.

They explained that the eight individuals were among approximately 30 people waiting to board the boat before being spotted by French authorities early Wednesday morning.

At least 29 people died last year, according to official French and British sources.

British authorities recorded the arrival of 41,472 people on small boats in 2025, the second-highest number after the record of 45,774 in 2022. (QNA)