Key facts
- A woman has died on a small boat attempting to reach the UK.
- She was found unresponsive in UK waters in the English Channel on Saturday.
- Despite receiving medical help, she was declared deceased.
- The incident occurred in Dover's Western Docks.
- The Home Office highlighted the dangers of such crossings.
A woman has died on a small boat attempting to reach the UK after being found unresponsive in UK waters in the English Channel on Saturday. Despite receiving medical attention, she was declared deceased by authorities at Dover's Western Docks. The Home Office stated that this incident underscores the severe dangers associated with small boat crossings and reiterated ongoing efforts with French and international partners to prevent such perilous journeys. On Monday, 710 people crossed the Channel on 11 small boats, marking the highest number for a single day in 2026. Year-to-date, 9,852 people have made the journey, a 40% decrease compared to the same period in 2025. A recent deal between the UK and France, worth £662 million, aims to enhance enforcement actions and apprehend people smugglers.