Bodies of three migrants pulled from English Channel as major search and rescue operation launched

THREE migrants have died after their boat got into difficulty trying to cross the English Channel today.

The asylum seekers were pronounced dead after falling into the water off the coast of Cap Gris-Nez, northern France, this afternoon.

One person was found unconscious and could not be resuscitated by the crew, with two others missing,.

Up to 180 people were pulled to safety by rescue operators, according to French authorities.

An investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

Patrick Leleu, deputy prosecutor at the judicial court of Boulogne-sur-Mer, said: “I can confirm the death of three migrants who fell into the water this afternoon off the coast of Cap Gris Nez.

“The investigation is ongoing.”

It comes as dozens of migrants made the treacherous crossing to the UK today in strong winds and also thick fog.

The last fatalities in the Channel happened on January 14 when five migrants died while trying to make the treacherous journey across the 21-mile Dover Straits.

A UK Government spokesperson said: “We can confirm there has been an incident in the Channel involving a small boat in French waters.

“French authorities are leading the response and investigation. We will not be commenting further at this stage.”

Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said: “Our thoughts go out to the families of those affected by the tragic loss of life in the English Channel this afternoon and to all those who valiantly answered the distress call.

“This is yet another avoidable human tragedy.

“Men, women and children from countries such as Afghanistan are risking their lives in the Channel as a direct consequence of safe routes being so limited and ineffective.

“There will be more deaths unless the Government rethinks its approach.

“Instead of the unlawful and costly Rwanda plan, we need a plan to provide sanctuary for those fleeing persecution, violence and torture without having to take dangerous journeys by expanding options for family reunion, introducing refugee visas and putting in place an agreement with the French government to give people a fair hearing and treat them with dignity and humanity.”

Home Office figures showed that more than 2,000 migrants have arrived in the UK this year after making the journey from France.

This week, they stated there were no new arrivals on Tuesday or Monday this week, but 290 asylum seekers arrived in five boats on Sunday.

It come as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is scrambling to get deportation flights going to Rwanda in a bid to deter small boat journeys.