Dunkirk: Four illegal immigrants died while trying to cross the English Channel towards Britain. French authorities announced the deaths of four undocumented migrants in two separate incidents while attempting to cross the English Channel towards the British coast.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the French Maritime Command stated in a press release that "three bodies of undocumented migrants were found in a small boat that approached the port of Dunkirk early today," adding that one person died in a boat sinking incident that occurred Wednesday evening off the coastal town of Hardlow, while six others were rescued, including a one-year-old child.

It is worth noting that the northern coasts of France, bordering the English Channel, are a major gateway for undocumented migrants attempting to reach the British coast, and attempts to cross the Channel, known for its strong currents, often result in the drowning of dozens.

According to French authorities, 14 people have died since the beginning of the year while attempting to cross the Channel, while at least 29 migrants went missing on the same route last year.