Three migrants died while attempting to cross the Channel to the United Kingdom on Wednesday morning, according to the French maritime prefecture.
The vessel capsized just after 08:00, two kilometres off the coast of the French city of Calais. A thick fog complicated rescue efforts.
Three migrants were found dead, and 48 others were rescued, the prefecture reported. One person is reportedly injured. Several nearby vessels were called in to assist and bring the survivors back to shore.
Since January, at least 55 people have died in similar attempts, the prefecture stated. Last week, a baby died near Wissant in the French department of Pas-de-Calais when a boat sank.
The boat was overloaded with people trying to reach England irregularly via the Channel.
Conditions for crossing the Channel are particularly hazardous, with overcrowded boats and few passengers wearing life jackets. According to British authorities, more than 28,000 migrants have arrived in England via the Channel since the beginning of the year.
