A 10-year-old child and two women have died attempting to cross the English Channel, according to the French authorities. The incident saw 102 other people rescued from a dinghy just off the coast of northern France after the boat had left Bleriot Plage, near Calais, on Monday morning.
Maritime police in France said it received a distress call from an inflatable vessel which had run into trouble in calm seas and a rescue ship and French Navy helicopter were immediately sent to the scene, officials said.
The deaths were likely to have been caused by crushing, due to so many people on the boat, and not drowning, said French maritime officials.
Responding to reports, Andy Burnham’s spokesman said: “We’re deeply saddened to hear about the deaths in France today.
“It is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by the criminal gangs who exploit vulnerable people for profit, and we will continue to work relentlessly.
“It’s the prime minister’s promise to do more to prevent these perilous journeys from happening.”
It comes as two Albanians were among 10 people arrested after a boat carrying migrants turned up at a Cornish harbour. The Albanians were arrested on suspicion of immigration offences, the force added.
