Three migrants died trying to cross the English Channel in a small boat on Sunday morning, the French coast guard announced. "BBC" reports.
The migrants ended up in the water while trying to board a boat off the coast of Sangatte, near Calais, at around 6am local time.
Three people died, while their bodies were pulled from the water with the help of a helicopter, while 45 others were treated, most of them with hypothermic problems. Four were taken to hospital.
It has been the most fatal year in terms of Channel crossings.
More than 36 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats this year, while the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has said 77 people have died trying to do so.
"It never stops", said the mayor of Sangatte, Guy Allemand, for "AFP". "It's transition after transition."
He said that seven migrants needed intensive care. The Coast Guard said they are continuing to search for any other survivors.
