An investigation has been launched into the tragic incident in the English Channel that killed four people.

Police are working to identify the identities of the four victims – including one teenager – who died when a boat carrying asylum seekers sank off the coast of Kent.

A total of 39 people were safely rescued from the boat, including 12 unaccompanied children, after it got into difficulties in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

A multi-national search and rescue effort continued for more than 36 hours, only being called off at around 3pm yesterday (Thursday).

It is thought four more are missing, and presumed dead.

A spokeswoman for Kent Police confirmed the force have launched a probe into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

As part of the investigation, officers are establishing the identity of the dead and locating their next of kin.

Efforts are being supported by the National Crime Agency (NCA), who are working on both sides of the Channel alongside French authorities.

NCA director General Graeme Biggar said the efforts of rescue teams and a passing fishing boat – which recovered 31 people after being first on the scene – "undoubtedly saved lives".
"First and foremost this incident is a tragedy, and our thoughts have to be with the families and loved ones of those who died," he added.

"Given the conditions I am also thankful that the death toll was not higher, and I pay tribute to all those who responded so quickly in the Channel on Wednesday morning. They undoubtedly saved lives.

“A full investigation is now underway into the circumstances around these deaths, which is led by Kent Police. I have offered them the full support and resources of the NCA, including our network of liaison officers in France who are already engaged with French partners.

“This incident, tragically, highlights the dangers of these crossings, a high percentage of which are facilitated by organised criminal networks. They treat people as a commodity to be profited from and think nothing of putting them in incredibly dangerous situations.

“Working with our partners on both sides of the Channel we are determined to find those responsible and bring them to justice.”

Leader of Kent County Council Roger Gough described the tragedy as "a sobering reminder of the human costs of what is an on-going crisis".

Speaking to the council yesterday, Cllr Gough (Con) revealed that one of the victims had been a teenager, while 12 of those rescued were Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC).

He said placements had been set up for them, adding: "43 were recovered [from the water], of whom four have died – one of whom we believe was a minor, a teenager. There are a further four people missing.

"Our staff have been working with the NHS and with other partners to establish wrap-around care for those who have been brought from the water and so believe they have played an important and very positive role in our efforts to achieve recovery from this tragedy."

The people on board the boat included men, women and children from Senegal, Afghanistan, India and Iraq.

A phone call was made at 2.53am from one man whose family were in the water. Screams could be heard in the background.

“Please help me bro, please, please, please. We are in the water and we have a family,” he said.

The Home Office also revealed that a second boat carrying 50 asylum seekers got into difficulties on the same night that the tragedy occurred.

When rescue services arrived at the second boat, five of those on board had fallen into the water, but all were recovered alive.