- A search and rescue operation is underway off the French coast after two people reportedly died during an attempt to cross the English Channel, with another person missing.
- Emergency services, including a helicopter, were seen searching the area, and French maritime authorities recovered people from the water, with one person treated for hypothermia.
- The incident occurred hours after the Home Secretary secured a last-minute, two-month extension to a crucial beach patrol agreement with France.
- The extension prevents the lapse of a nearly £500 million deal aimed at curbing Channel departures, with £16.2 million funding operational contracts while a longer-term agreement is negotiated.
- The development comes amidst ongoing pressure to reduce the number of small boat crossings, with 4,441 people having arrived in the UK this year, and French ministers criticising UK demands that could risk migrants' lives.
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