Three people are feared to have died after an incident involving a small boat in the Channel.

A vessel with multiple people on board got into trouble on the Varne Bank, close to Calais, according to French officals.

It is suspected to be a small boat carrying asylum seekers.

A lifeboat team and search and rescue helicopter, both from Kent, assisted in the agtempted rescue mission.

Dover and Deal MP Natalie Elphicke said the incident proves the need for better safety measures in the English Channel.

“These tragic deaths underline the need to stop small boats leaving the French coast,” she said.

“The UK and France need to make the English Channel a joint safety and security zone to protect life and to see that small boats are returned to the safety of the French coast.

“This crisis has gone on for far too long. Only when the UK and France make a comprehensive agreement to take joint action will it come to an end.”

The French maritime agency said: “Four rescue operations were coordinated today involving around 180 people assisted.

“During one of the rescue operations carried out by the BSAM Seine, the national Navy, the crew learned from the rescued shipwrecked that three people disappeared during the crossing attempt.

“At this stage, one person was recovered unconscious and could not be resuscitated by the crew.

“Two people are missing.”

Patrick Leleu, deputy prosecutor at the Judicial court of Boulogne-sur-Mer, is reported to have said: "I can confirm the death of three migrants who fell into the water this afternoon off the coast of Cap Gris Nez. The investigation is ongoing."

A UK Government spokesperson said: “We can confirm there has been an incident in the Channel involving a small boat in French waters.

“French authorities are leading the response and investigation. We will not be commenting further at this stage.”

This week, Home Office figures showed that more than 2,000 migrants have arrived in the UK so far this year after crossing the strait between England and France.

The number of Channel arrivals is 32% lower than the total recorded this time last year (2,953) but 49% higher than the total at this stage in 2022 (1,482).