A man has died after suffering a cardiac arrest whilst attempting to cross the English Channel to reach the UK, French authorities have confirmed.
The boat carrying the man turned back towards Equihen beach in northern France on Saturday morning after the medical emergency occurred during the crossing attempt.
Emergency response at beach
When the vessel arrived at the beach, emergency services found the man in cardiac arrest on board, according to the Pas-de-Calais department's sub-prefecture.
Despite immediate intervention from emergency services at the scene, the man died shortly after their arrival.
Investigation launched into death
French authorities have confirmed that an investigation is now under way under the authority of the prosecutor to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the man's death.
The tragic incident comes as provisional statistics from the UK Home Office show that almost 24,000 people have arrived on small boats in the UK during 2025.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
