At least 8 people have died trying to cross the English Channel

Associated Press

NICE, France (AP) — Authorities say at least eight people have died during a failed attempt to cross the English Channel from northern France. The tragedy occurred Saturday just before midnight when authorities spotted a boat in distress. The vessel was carrying dozens of people near a beach in the northern town of Ambleteuse. Authorities said that a French rescue ship was deployed to the area and rescue services offered medical assistance to 53 migrants on the beach. The latest deaths occurred nearly two weeks after a boat carrying migrants ripped apart in the English Channel as they attempted to reach the U.K. from northern France. A dozen died in that sinking.