Two migrants have died attempting to cross the Channel in a small boat.
The incident happened on Sunday morning off the coast between Calais and Dunkirk in France, a French maritime official told the BBC.
About 50 migrants were rescued from the same small boat and the operation is still ongoing.
More than 20 people have died this year attempting to cross the world’s busiest shipping route in dangerously overloaded rowing boats.
Several boats carrying migrants left beaches in northern France on Sunday, following a period of windy conditions.
The nice weather in the morning ensured that several groups went out on the water.
French authorities launched a large-scale rescue operation when a ship got into trouble.
Searches in the area are still ongoing.
