Two people have died and 50 migrants have been taken into the care of a humanitarian charity after an incident off the coast of Calais, it is being reported. It is believed that the people were trying to cross the Channel to England.
According to Sky News, French charity Utopia 56 has taken the survivors into its care. BFM TV in France reported that 10 people were being looked after by firefighters after showing signs of severe hypothermia.
A large-scale rescue operation was launched, with a French Navy helicopter involved at Sangatte near Calais. It was reported that the alarm was raised at around 6.15am on Sunday French time. Emergency services recovered the bodies of two adults around 45 minutes later, a police source told BFM.
The operation was continuing on Sunday morning, with rescuers seen opposite the Fort Lapin campsite. Authorities believe the death toll could increase.