Four people have died after a small boat sank in the English Channel.
The taxiboat sank just off the coast of Boulogne in the early hours of this morning.
A massive rescue operation was launched just after 7am, with reports of multiple migrants in the water.
Local French authorities in Calais said: "A taxiboat sinking occurred today. The situation is still being assessed and remains subject to change."
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
UK and French authorities have expressed growing concern in recent days that people smugglers are cramming larger numbers of migrants on each boat.
Yesterday, two small boats made it to the UK, each carrying more than 80 migrants.
Several attempts to launch migrants boats have taken place this morning, with at least one boat en route to the UK.
Other attempted launches ran into difficulties.
Small boat migrants continue to cross the Channel amid a spring surge in temperatures | GETTYMore to follow...
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
- France rejects Britain’s offer to intercept and return small boat migrants in fresh blow to Shabana Mahmood
- Almost 300 small boat migrants swarm across Channel in one day - with more expected in hours ahead
- Migrant crisis: Runner who ‘trained with Mo Farah’ accused of sexually assaulting teen after waiting for her to be left alone at bus stop