after a boat carrying migrants capsized off the French coast in the English Channel
Ten of those who died were female, including a pregnant woman, and six were minors, officials say
More than 50 people have been rescued, according to the French coastguard, with many receiving treatment in Boulogne-sur-Mer
It is the deadliest disaster this year in the Channel, which is the world’s busiest shipping lane
Downing Street said the news was “truly horrific” and it was determined to clamp down on people smuggling gangs who are “taking even more dangerous risks”
More than 20,000 people have made the crossing from France to the UK so far this year.
Edited by Francesca Gillett.
Minors among 12 killed in deadliest Channel disaster this year
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The latest from the French authorities is that at least 12 people are dead, after a small boat carrying migrants capsized in the English Channel this morning.
Rescue boats and helicopters were scrambled as part of a huge operation, with people taken to Boulogne-sur-Mer for medical care.
Local officials say the 12 who died were “primarily of Eritrean origin”, although their nationalities haven’t been confirmed. The 12 also included six minors and 10 were female. One of the women was also pregnant.
More than 50 people were rescued, said French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin who visited the scene on Tuesday afternoon.
Refugee charities say it shows the UK needs more safe and legal routes to the UK for asylum seekers, while Home Secretary Yvette Cooper reiterated her plan to clamp down on people smuggling gangs.
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