A Sudanese man has been arrested following the deaths of four migrants during a dangerous attempt to cross the English Channel.
The National Crime Agency confirmed that the 27-year-old suspect was detained at the Manston processing centre on suspicion of endangering lives during a sea journey to the United Kingdom.
The tragic incident occurred off the coast near Calais, where migrants were attempting to board a so-called “taxi-boat.” Two men and two women, including siblings, died after being swept away by strong currents.
Authorities said that while 38 people were returned to shore, 74 others continued the journey and reached the UK. The suspect remains in custody and is being questioned by investigators.
A parallel investigation is also underway in France, led by local prosecutors, to determine the circumstances surrounding the boat’s launch. UK authorities are assisting with the inquiry.
According to Craig Turner, deputy director at the National Crime Agency, officials are working closely with international partners to identify those responsible and ensure accountability.
Meanwhile, UK Migration Minister Mike Tapp described the deaths as tragic and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling migrant smuggling networks. He said new legal powers are helping authorities disrupt these dangerous operations earlier.
The incident adds to a growing number of fatalities linked to Channel crossings. Just last week, two migrants died when a boat carrying around 50 people ran into trouble near Gravelines.
Recent improvements in weather conditions have also led to a rise in crossings. Over 370 migrants arrived in the UK in just three days, pushing the total number of arrivals this year past 5,000.
The English Channel remains one of the world’s busiest and most dangerous migration routes, with many risking their lives in search of safety and better opportunities.