French Riot Police Teargas Asylum Seekers in Deadly Boat Incident 2026

French riot police funded by UK taxpayers used teargas on asylum seekers in an attempt to stop them from boarding a boat in which three women were later found dead, a charity has claimed. The incident occurred on Plage du Braek near Dunkirk at 4am on Thursday, with footage showing CS gas canisters fired toward groups of people. Just two hours later, the bodies of three women were discovered in a boat near the same beach.

UK-Funded Police Tactics Under Scrutiny

The deployment of 50 officers from the Compagnies Républicaines de Sécurité (CRS) is part of a £660m agreement signed by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood in May. These officers are specially trained in riot and crowd control tactics, and their use of teargas has raised serious questions about the safety of asylum seekers. According to Utopia 56, the charity that captured the footage, staff witnessed police firing canisters at people trying to board the same vessel where the women's bodies were found.

Angèle Vettorello, a coordinator at Utopia 56, said: "An hour before the boat carrying the women’s bodies was found, our team was right next to the beach. Riot officers from the CRS were there and were trying to stop 80 people, including families, from trying to access the beach." She added that at least 35 teargas canisters were found at the scene, highlighting the intensity of the police response.

The Deadly Consequences of Deterrence

This tragic event is not isolated. In a separate incident on the same day, a fourth person—a man—died when his dinghy got into difficulty off the coast of Dannes. These deaths occurred hours after the busiest day for small boat crossings this year, with 752 arrivals recorded in the UK. The charity warns that police pressure on the beaches is putting more people at risk, a pattern they have observed repeatedly.

The use of teargas against vulnerable asylum seekers, including families, has been condemned by human rights groups. Critics argue that such tactics are counterproductive, pushing people to take even more dangerous routes. The UK government maintains that the funding is intended to prevent illegal crossings, but the evidence suggests otherwise.

Data on Small Boat Crossings and Fatalities

The table illustrates the alarming trend: while arrivals have fluctuated, the number of deaths has increased significantly. This underscores the urgent need for humane and effective policies.

Key Takeaways for Policymakers and Citizens

• UK taxpayer money is funding aggressive police tactics that may violate international law.
• Police operations are not deterring crossings but increasing the risk of death.
• Transparent investigations into the Plage du Braek incident are essential.
• Alternative solutions, such as safe legal routes, must be prioritized.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Further Tragedies?

The UK and French governments must reassess their approach. Instead of funding riot control, they should invest in search and rescue operations, humanitarian aid, and safe passage mechanisms. The evidence from Utopia 56 suggests that current policies are failing to protect lives.

As the public, we must demand accountability. The deaths of three women and a man are a stark reminder of the human cost of inaction. It is time to shift from deterrence to compassion.

FAQ