At least 8 dead in English Channel crossing

At least eight people died during a failed attempt to cross the English Channel from northern France, French maritime authorities said Sunday.

- BARBARA SURK

The tragedy occurred Saturday just before midnight when authorities spotted a boat, carrying dozens, in distress near a beach in the northern town of Ambleteuse.

A French rescue ship was deployed to the area and rescue services offered medical assistance to 53 migrants on the beach, a statement from the French maritime authorities in charge of the Channel and the North Sea said.

"Despite the emergency care provided, eight people have died," the statement said.

No people were discovered during the search at sea, it added.