Two people have died after a migrant boat sank in the Channel, French maritime authorities said.
The incident happened this morning off the coast of Sangatte, close to Calais.
Around 50 migrants are understood to have fallen into the water shortly after 8am around 2km from the shoreline near Calais.
The incident happened around 2km from the shoreline at Sangatte
At least 46 people were rescued but French authorities are continuing to seach for others still in the water.
The UK Border Force also confirmed it “is actively engaged in a search and rescue operation”.
The two victims were provided with first aid after being rescued from the water but were pronounced dead by medics when taken to Calais.
The rescue operation was launched after a life jacket was spotted in the water.
The public prosecutor’s office in nearby Boulogne-sur-Mer has launched an investigation into the incident.
Cross-Channel services from Dover to Calais are currently affected with delays of up to 120 minutes due to the rescue operation. Vessels are currently unable to enter or leave Calais Port.
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This year has been the deadliest ever for Channel crossings, with more than 50 people known to have been killed so far. Many drowned, while others suffocated in the crush of so many people being piled into small, cramped boats.
Last week, a baby girl died after she “slipped” from her father’s hand when the dinghy they were in capsized.
Home Office figures suggest more that 26,000 people have reached the UK via Channel crossings in 2024 so far.