Several migrants have died off the coast of France while attempting to cross the Channel, authorities have said.

The deaths occurred in the commune of Ambleteuse, French officials said.

It comes as French authorities rescued some 200 people off the coast of Calais over a 24-hour period between Friday and Saturday night.

A boat carrying migrants that was in poor condition was located off the coast of Le Portel, a French coastal town, and 55 migrants were rescued.

Elsewhere, 61 migrants were picked up off the coast of La Becque d’Hardelot, 48 people were recovered near a lighthouse and at the end of the day 36 people were rescued, French authorities said.

All of those rescued were brought back to land.

French authorities said they monitored 18 attempts to launch boats across the Channel on Saturday.

It comes after at least 12 people, including 10 women and girls, died after a boat with dozens of migrants tore apart in the English Channel earlier this month.

The French coastguard said more than 65 people were rescued after the vessel got into difficulties after it was launched from Le Portel.

France’s interior minister Gerald Darmanin said only eight of the 70 people on board had lifejackets.

It was the deadliest incident so far this year, which had already seen 25 people die attempting to cross the Channel.

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