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

The incident 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, but could not offer assistance at sea. Once the vessel reached the beach, rescue services offered medical assistance to 53 migrants, a statement from the French maritime authorities in charge of the Channel and the North Sea said.

Once the vessel reached the beach, rescue services offered medical assistance to 53 migrants, a statement from the French maritime authorities in charge of the Channel and the North Sea said{ai:summary}<p>At least eight individuals died during a failed crossing of the English Channel, according to French maritime authorities. The incident took place near Ambleteuse when a boat carrying migrants was spotted in distress.</p><p>Rescue services were able to assist 53 migrants onshore after the vessel reached the beach, but could not provide help at sea. #illegals</p>

A least 8 people have died trying to cross the English Channel, French authorities say

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