At least three people died after a vessel capsized while attempting an illegal crossing of the English Channel on Monday, September 28. The incident occurred off the French coast near Wissant, according to the Pas-de-Calais prefecture, which confirmed the tragedy. The vessel, described as a taxi-boat—a type of small, privately operated boat often used for clandestine crossings—was carrying 105 people when it overturned. Officials reported three fatalities and four people with minor injuries. All passengers were rescued, and the boat was said to have remained afloat, though it had capsized. The maritime prefecture of the English Channel and the North Sea confirmed that all those on board had been assisted following the incident. This tragedy adds to a growing concern about the dangers of illegal crossings, with three bodies recovered last week after similar chaotic departures in the same region. The deaths bring the total number of people who have died since the beginning of the year while attempting to cross the English Channel illegally to 22, according to an AFP count based on official data. Efforts to cross the English Channel illegally have become increasingly perilous, with many migrants risking their lives in small, overcrowded boats. These crossings often take place under dangerous conditions, with limited safety measures and no life jackets or emergency equipment. The French authorities have been working to intercept such vessels and prevent crossings, but the number of attempts has continued to rise in recent years. The incident highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the risks faced by those seeking to reach the United Kingdom. Despite increased border controls and patrols, the number of people attempting the crossing has not decreased, and the dangers have only grown. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of these dangerous journeys.