At least eight migrants have died off the northern coast of France while attempting to cross the English Channel. According to French media, the shipwreck occurred overnight near Ambleteuse, in the Pas-de-Calais region.
French public radio station Radio France also reported that one person is in a very serious condition and five others have minor injuries.
French authorities have already rescued around 200 people off the coast of Calais between Friday and Saturday night alone. The migrants were rescued from different shipwrecks in an area that was on alert due to strong sea currents.
Police and sea rescue services followed 18 vessels trying to reach the UK.
This is the second shipwreck of this type this month, after the 12 deaths recorded on September 3 in similar circumstances.
British authorities estimate that at least 22,000 migrants and asylum seekers have arrived on UK shores from northern France this year, usually embarking from areas close to the cities of Calais and Dunkirk.
Source: expresso.pt