Four migrants die trying to cross Channel from France

Sixty-three people were rescued by the French coast guard, the prefecture responsible for the north of France said in a statement.

It said a French navy patrol boat spotted the overcrowded vessel early on Friday as it deflated off the French northern coast.

Several people were in the water, the statement said.

Migrants trying to reach the UK risk drowning as they try to cross the busy English Channel, often aboard crowded boats.

An estimated 30,000 people made the crossing in 2023, according to UK government figures.

Five people including a child died trying to cross the English Channel from France to the UK on April 23.