PARIS (AP) — On Saturday morning, a tragic incident occurred in the English Channel as two women lost their lives attempting to cross from France to the United Kingdom. The women were aboard a makeshift boat alongside other migrants when the incident took place, as reported by French authorities.

Rescue teams responded promptly and discovered the women in a state of cardiac arrest. Despite the quick efforts to revive them, they were unable to be saved. In addition to the fatalities, a couple and their child were found suffering from hypothermia and were promptly transported to a hospital in Boulogne for medical care.

The tragic event unfolded off the coast of Neufchatel-Hardelot, a small town in the Pas-de-Calais region of northern France. Reports from local media indicate that rescuers managed to save over 60 migrants overnight. The prefecture has also mentioned that police forces intervened to prevent several other attempts at crossing the treacherous waters of the English Channel.

This incident is part of a concerning trend, as the prefecture has reported that at least 17 migrants have died since the beginning of the year while trying to reach the U.K. via small boats from northern France. The perilous nature of these crossings continues to draw attention to the ongoing migration crisis in the region.

In a related context, earlier this week marked a significant development in the ongoing migration policies between Britain and France. A family of three, including a young child, became the first group to be returned to the U.K. by France under a new agreement. This arrangement is designed to streamline the flow of migrants, wherein the U.K. returns individuals who enter the country without authorization, while France agrees to accept vetted asylum-seekers.

The U.K. Home Office has described the arrival of the family as part of "critical first steps" in a program referred to as "one in, one out." Recently, four individuals who had arrived in Britain by boat from France were also flown back to France as part of this new policy arrangement, indicating a serious shift in how both countries are managing irregular migration.

This recent loss of life in the English Channel underscores the dangers faced by migrants attempting to make this perilous journey in search of a better life. The authorities from both countries remain engaged in discussions and actions aimed at addressing these complex issues surrounding migration and border controls.