At least 10 people are believed to have died after a boat with dozens of migrants capsized in the English Channel, according to French media.

The French coastguard said more than 50 people had been rescued after a vessel got into difficulties on Tuesday morning.

Local authorities said several people needed emergency treatment and a temporary medical post has been set up at the port at Boulogne-sur-Mer, about 28 miles (45km) southwest of Calais.

A spokesperson for the French maritime prefecture added that helicopters and boats have been used in the search for survivors.

The regional newspaper La Voix du Nord is now reporting 10 people have died and several others are in critical condition.

Another media outlet France 3 had initially said “at least 100 migrants” were on board “following the sinking of a boat” at 11.30am (10.30am UK time), and reported that several white tarpaulins were spotted on the quay.

Image:
In the Channel, an RNLI lifeboat was taking part in separate operations, transporting suspected migrants into Dover on Tuesday. Pic: PA

Separately on Tuesday, an RNLI lifeboat docked in Dover with suspected migrants on board after being deployed to the English Channel.

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It is not believed those people were rescued from the incident off the coast of France.

France’s Interior minister Gerald Darmanin is expected in Pas-de-Calais later this afternoon.

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