Two men die trying to cross Channel to UK

Two individuals lost their lives off the French coast while attempting to cross the English Channel into Britain, with two women sustaining severe burns, according to authorities. The deceased were in their 30s and 40s, reported AFP. The women with burns required hospitalization due to extensive injuries, though their condition was deemed non-life-threatening. Local newspaper La Voix du Nord explained that the burns were caused by a chemical reaction between gasoline and seawater.

French prosecutors are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Tragically, three individuals, including a 10-year-old child, perished during a previous crossing attempt last week. This incident brings the total number of migrant deaths at the Franco-British maritime border to at least 24 since the beginning of the year, based on an AFP tally of official sources.

France has long been a popular destination for asylum seekers without visas who seek to reach Britain via the Channel. These migrants often pay smugglers substantial sums to board unstable and overcrowded rubber dinghies for this perilous illegal journey across one of the world's busiest shipping routes.