Four people, including a two-year-old boy, died during an attempted crossing of the English Channel, as confirmed by French authorities.

The tragedy occurred due to engine failures in two separate boats.

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau labeled the loss a 'terrible tragedy,' blaming people smugglers for the deaths.

In one incident, 15 individuals, including the young boy, were rescued off Boulogne-Sur-Mer, but the boy succumbed to injuries.

In another incident near Calais, overcrowding and engine failure led to three adults being trampled.

The French coastguard reported recovering 71 people from these boats, and an investigation is underway by the Boulogne-sur-Mer prosecutor's office.

The UK and French governments have vowed to clamp down on the smuggling networks orchestrating these perilous crossings.

This years' fatalities in the Channel have reached 51, with both governments urging international cooperation to address the crisis.