Two migrants died while attempting to cross the English Channel in a small boat, with about 50 others rescued from the same vessel. The incident occurred offshore between Calais and Dunkirk on Sunday morning. This tragedy brings the death toll of migrants attempting to cross the Channel since mid-July to at least nine, and over 20 fatalities for the year. French and British authorities coordinated the rescue operation, highlighting the ongoing dangers of crossing the Channel in overloaded dinghies. NGOs have criticized the UK and French governments' crackdown on small boats, which they claim exacerbates the risks for migrants. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged tougher measures to combat people smuggling gangs, amid rising numbers of Channel crossings.