The Refugee Council has called on the Government to publish official data on the number of migrants who die attempting to cross the English Channel, amid fears that 2024 saw more fatalities than the previous three years combined.
Record deaths in the channel
Research by the Refugee Council reveals 69 recorded deaths in the Channel in 2024, significantly higher than the combined 49 deaths reported across 2021 (32), 2022 (5), and 2023 (12). This includes a recent incident near Sangatte, Calais, where three individuals perished and 45 others were rescued.
The charity’s report, Deaths in the Channel, warns that there is no official government data on these fatalities, with figures instead compiled from press releases, media reports, and local organisation records. It criticises the lack of regular, publicly available statistics and highlights an “evidence gap” in understanding the circumstances and motivations behind these deaths.
Urgent calls for change
Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, described the rising death toll as a “stark reminder” of the failure of current policies. He urged ministers to prioritise the establishment of safe and legal routes for those fleeing war and persecution.
“The record number of deaths in the Channel this year shows the current approach is not working,” he said. “Smuggling gangs are exploiting vulnerable people and profiting from forcing them into life-threatening conditions. Enforcement measures alone will not address this crisis.”
He praised the success of resettlement schemes for Ukrainian refugees, arguing that similar safe alternatives would reduce the need for dangerous crossings. “The Ukraine schemes show that when safe options exist, refugees take them, avoiding perilous journeys across the Channel,” Mr Solomon added.
Solomon also called for better search and rescue operations in collaboration with French authorities to prevent further tragedies. Citing the case of seven-year-old Sara, who died while boarding an overcrowded boat, he said, “Every person who lost their life in the Channel was someone with a story and loved ones. These deaths are not inevitable.”
The government’s response
A Home Office spokesperson acknowledged the tragedy of lives lost at sea, emphasising that the department’s efforts are focused on saving lives while protecting the UK’s borders.
“The people smuggling gangs only care about profit,” the spokesperson said. “We are seeing more people crammed into flimsy and dangerous boats, putting lives at risk. Our joint work with France aims to prevent crossings and stop people from endangering themselves and others.”
More Read
The Home Office also highlighted existing schemes for refugees from Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong, which provide safe routes for those already identified as eligible for resettlement.
The call for transparency
The Refugee Council has reiterated its demand for the Government to publish official statistics on Channel deaths, arguing that transparency is crucial to addressing the crisis effectively. Its report suggests that the lack of data hampers efforts to understand why people risk such dangerous journeys and how best to prevent further loss of life.
The charity’s findings reflect a consensus that reducing the number of people making these perilous crossings is essential. However, without comprehensive data, efforts to develop evidence-based solutions remain limited.
Looking ahead
As 2025 begins, there are growing calls for the Government to adopt a new approach to tackle the Channel crossing crisis. Critics argue that enforcement measures alone are insufficient and that addressing the root causes of migration, such as conflict and persecution, is vital.
The Refugee Council’s plea for increased transparency, expanded safe routes, and improved search and rescue operations adds to the mounting pressure on ministers to act decisively. As Mr Solomon concluded, “The Government must do everything possible to ensure that 2025 does not see a repeat of last year’s devastating loss of life.”
