Three migrants have died while trying to reach the UK after being found unresponsive on a boat off the coast of Dunkirk, the French coastguard has said.
The boat was spotted at around 6am on Thursday morning with three people on board, all of whom were unresponsive. Rescue crews brought them to shore, where paramedics confirmed they had died, according to a statement from maritime authorities in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin.
Busy day for crossings
Wednesday had been one of the busiest days for Channel crossings so far this year, with a steady stream of attempts throughout the day amid hot, sunny weather and calm conditions at sea.
Prime minister's response
The deaths come a day after Prime Minister Andy Burnham insisted the government's plan to curb Channel crossings was "working", although he admitted there was "more to do".
