In France, at least, thirty-one migrants, headed for the UK, have drowned in the English Channel near northern coast of Calais after their boat sank.

In a statement, French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has confirmed the deaths saying women and children were among the dead.

Local authorities told media that a joint French-British air and sea operation to search for survivors is under way.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and French President Emmanuel Macron on the phone have agreed to do everything possible to stop the gangs responsible for putting people’s lives at risk.