Authorities reported that at least three migrants perished in the Channel off the northern coast of France on Sunday as a group of about fifty people attempted to leave in a small boat in the hopes of reaching Britain.
During a series of attempted crossings by migrants headed for the southern coast of England, the incident happened at Sangatte at approximately 6 a.m. (0500 GMT), according to a statement from the French maritime prefecture for the Channel.
The authorities rescued and treated 45 migrants, primarily for hypothermia, while they confirmed three migrants’ deaths after finding them unconscious.
It also said that search efforts were ongoing for additional potential victims.
In crowded makeshift boats, migrants have lost several dozen lives this year while trying to reach Britain across the Channel, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.
