Two people dead and 46 rescued after boat sinks in Channel

Two people died after a migrant boat sank in the Channel on Wednesday morning, French maritime authorities have said.

The French maritime prefecture for the Channel and the North Sea said another 46 people were rescued after the incident off the coast of Calais.

A rescue operation was launched on Wednesday off Calais after a life jacket was spotted in the sea.

Forty-eight people were recovered in the search, and first aid was given to two unconscious people brought on board the Minck ship. They were later confirmed dead in Calais, the French maritime prefecture said.

More details to follow …