Several people have died during a failed attempt to cross the English Channel from France, French authorities say

At least eight people died during a failed attempt to cross the English Channel from northern France, French maritime authorities said Sunday. The incident occurred Saturday just before midnight when authorities spotted a boat, carrying dozens, in distress near a beach in the northern town of Ambleteuse.

Eight migrants attempting to cross the English Channel from France in a small rubber boat died early Sunday, officials said.