4 migrants die attempting to cross English Channel on overloaded 'taxi boats'

Four migrants died in two separate attempts to cross the English Channel, with one incident involving a 'taxi boat' near Hardelot, France.

A man believed to be in his 30s or 40s died when a 'taxi boat' capsized near Hardelot; six others, including a one-year-old child, suffered minor injuries.

Hours later, three unconscious people were found on a boat off Dunkirk and later pronounced dead.

Smugglers are increasingly using 'taxi boats'—larger inflatable boats that collect migrants already in the water to avoid beach patrols.

The UK and France signed a three-year £662 million agreement earlier this year aimed at curbing Channel crossings through increased patrols and efforts to stop 'taxi boats'.