Six people thought to be Iranian migrants were rescued from a sinking boat.

The were picked up a mile northeast of Calais as they got lost in thick fog in the early hours of this morning.

Sophie Turner, spokesman for the UK's Maritime and Coastguard Agency, said today: "The UK Coastguard has been working with the French Coastguard overnight following a call from a small fishing vessel reporting that it had six people on board and that it was sinking.

"The vessel was on route from Calais to Dover.

"The UK Coastguard broadcast requests for all shipping to look for the small vessel and the Dover RNLI lifeboat was launched.

"A French patrol vessel located and rescued the six people in the early hours of this morning. They were taken back to Calais Harbour where they were met by French police.

"The vessel was on route from Calais to Dover and was located near Calais."

Dover RNLI were called to help at 12.08am.

Spokesman Ed Baker said: "UK Coastguard asked Dover RNLI for assistance in a rescue operation on the English Channel.

"Conditions were foggy and the poor visibility made the search more complicated.

"The casualties were lost in the Channel with no visibility and the craft was sinking.

"We were stood down at 2.50am."

Authorities have not confirmed the backgrounds of the six people but they are widely reported to have been suspected migrants of Iranian nationality.