PARIS (AP) — At least eight people have been killed in a failed attempt to cross the English Channel from northern France, French maritime authorities said Sunday.
The incident occurred just before midnight on Friday, when authorities spotted a boat with dozens of people on board in distress off a beach in the northern town of Ambleteuse.
A French rescue ship was sent to the area and rescue services provided medical assistance to 53 migrants on the beach, according to a statement from the French maritime authorities responsible for the Channel and the North Sea.
“Despite the emergency care provided, eight people died,” the statement said.
No people were found during the search at sea, it was said.
The latest incident occurred nearly two weeks ago, after a boat carrying migrants broke apart in the English Channel as they tried to reach Britain from northern France, leaving dozens of people stranded in dangerous waters and 13 dead, officials said.