SMALL BOAT TRAGEDY Two migrants die trying to cross English Channel in small boat ‘tragic incident’ that saw 50 rescued

TWO migrants died this morning trying to cross the English Channel in a small boat.

The "tragic incident" saw 50 others rescued while still in French waters in the early hours

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French authorities confirmed that about 50 other individuals on board were rescued in the operationCredit: UKNIP

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The scene earlier today after two people died during a small boat crossing in French watersCredit: UKNIP

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About 50 migrants were rescued from the same small boatCredit: UKNIP

It has been reported that around 50 migrants were rescued from the same small boat and returned to France.

The government spokesperson said the latest incident was a "tragedy" which "underlines the terrible dangers of small boat crossings."

The spokesperson said to The Sun: "We can confirm there has been a tragic incident in the Channel involving a small boat in French waters which has resulted in the loss of two lives.

"This latest tragedy underlines the terrible dangers of small boat crossings, and we continue to do everything we can to prevent callous criminals exploiting vulnerable people.

"Our thoughts are with those affected."

It's the third fatal small boat incident this month.

On July 19, Patrol boat PS Cormoran spotted a vessel in "difficulty" moments before disaster struck.

People then began to fall from the boat, said to have been "very loaded" at the time.The patrol pulled five people from the sea, but one person was found to be unresponsive.

Despite attempts at first aid the person was pronounced dead.
This happened days after one person died when a boat carrying 72 migrants deflated in the Channel.

Although 59 people were rescued, one was found to be unconscious and could not be revived.