Three migrants died on Sunday in an attempt to cross the English Channel from France to Britain, taking this year's casualty toll from failed clandestine crossings to a confirmed 76.

At least three people have died and dozens have been rescued attempting to cross the English Channel. The alarm was raised on a beach near Sangatte in northern France at around six o'clock this morning. It brings the total number of people who died while trying to cross the Channel this year to 53.

Three migrants died Sunday in an attempt to cross the English Channel from France to Britain, a local mayor told AFP. The deaths take this year's casualty toll from failed clandestine crossings to a confirmed 76.

This government is committed to smashing these gangs.” Sunday’s tragedy comes during a spike in Channel crossing attempts as 2024 draws to a close. Officials have noted a significant increase in attempted crossings over the past few days.

Two people have died and 50 others have been taken into the care of a humanitarian charity after an incident off the coast of Calais, it is being reported. It is believed that the people were trying to cross the Channel to England.