Four people have died attempting to reach the UK in small boats, because apparently the message that these crossings are deadly hasn't quite sunk in yet. Three women were found dead off Dunkirk on Thursday morning, and a man died in a separate incident off Dannes. The women, aged roughly 20, 30, and 50, were brought ashore after a rescue effort by French emergency services, but resuscitation attempts failed. Their nationalities remain unknown.

This comes on the heels of one of the busiest crossing days this year, with about 700 people making the trip Wednesday in hot, sunny weather. Because nothing says 'safe journey' like a record number of people crammed into inflatable boats. The average number per boat has soared from seven in 2018 to 63 this year, and 70 in the past month. A dinghy carrying 165 people crossed last week - a new record for overcrowding. Smuggler gangs are maximizing profits, which apparently means maximizing risk of drowning or being crushed.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham insisted the government's plan to curb crossings is working, with the caveat that there's 'more to do.' Meanwhile, French police were recorded saying they have orders not to stop people from setting off. One told shadow home secretary Chris Philp, 'Our order is to let them go. We just have to say to them: Don't do that. It's dangerous.' Because nothing says 'we're trying to prevent deaths' like a policy of watching people sail into danger.

A government spokesperson expressed deep sadness, calling each death a tragedy and a stark reminder of the danger posed by criminal gangs. The French are leading the investigation, presumably while also leading the effort to let people launch boats. Over 13,376 migrants have crossed this year, down from 24,389 last year - a drop that might be small comfort to the four who just died.