- Analysis reveals a significant increase in migrant deaths and disappearances in the Channel following a major UK-France deal aimed at stopping illegal crossings.
- Seventeen people died or went missing in the final four months of 2023, shortly after the £460m pact was agreed, with 2024 becoming the deadliest year on record with 83 fatalities.
- Research from the University of Bristol and Border Forensics indicates that increased French policing, a result of the deal, has forced smugglers to use more dangerous tactics, leading to severe overcrowding on boats.
- Deadly incidents are now frequently occurring closer to French shores, with migrants often rushing overcrowded dinghies at the last minute due to heightened surveillance and restrictions on independent crossings.
- Experts attribute the rise in deaths to dangerously overcrowded and poor-quality vessels.
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