At least eight people died during a failed attempt to cross the English Channel from northern France, French maritime authorities said Sunday.
The incident occurred Saturday 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 to the area, but could not offer assistance at sea. Once the vessel reached the beach, rescue services offered medical assistance to 53 migrants, a statement from the French maritime authorities in charge of the 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 at sea, it added.
