At least one person has died and five others have been taken to hospital after a boat trying to cross the Channel from France capsized, according to French authorities.
Franck Dhersin, the mayor of Téteghem, near Dunkirk, said a vast rescue operation was launched at about 6am (5am BST) as dozens of boats tried to make the crossing at the same time.
“Near Sangatte they unfortunately found dead people,” he said.
About 50 people were rescued from the vessel, the French coastguard said, but added: “Unfortunately, six people were recovered in serious condition and one of them, evacuated by helicopter to the hospital in Calais, was declared dead.
“An investigation was opened by the Boulogne public prosecutor’s office.”
HM Coastguard said: “HM Coastguard is currently assisting the French authorities, Gris-Nez, in a search and rescue response to an incident involving a small boat in the Channel.
“Dover RNLI lifeboat has been sent as part of that assistance with Folkestone and Langdon Bay coastguard rescue teams. South East Coast ambulance has also been sent.
“HM Coastguard will continue to work with search and rescue partners to respond to those in distress around the seas and coastal areas of the UK.”
The Channel between France and Britain is one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes and currents are strong.
A government spokesperson said: “We are aware of an incident in the Channel. HM Coastguard are working on a coordinated response and further information will be provided in due course.”
Join the exciting world of cryptocurrency trading with ByBit! As a new trader, you can benefit from a $10 bonus and up to $1,000 in rewards when you register using our referral link. With ByBit’s user-friendly platform and advanced trading tools, you can take advantage of cryptocurrency volatility and potentially make significant profits. Don’t miss this opportunity – sign up now and start trading!
Recent Comments