8 killed while trying to cross English Channel: French authorities

At least eight people died during a failed attempt to cross the English Channel from northern France, French maritime authorities said on Sunday.

The incident occurred on Friday, just before midnight, when authorities spotted a boat, carrying dozens in distress near a beach in the northern town of Ambleteuse.

A French rescue ship was deployed in the area and rescue services offered medical assistance to 53 migrants on the beach, a statement from the French maritime authorities in-charge of the English Channel and the North Sea said.

“Despite the emergency care provided, eight people have died,” the statement said. No people were discovered during the search, it added.