2 migrants die during Channel crossing attempt from northern France

Two migrants died and two women were rescued after a boat carrying about 80 people encountered difficulties while attempting to cross the English Channel from northern France, French newspaper La Voix du Nord reported Monday.

The boat was spotted by police leaving the dunes in Berck shortly before 10 pm Sunday (2000GMT) and was later intercepted about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) offshore near Merlimont.

Sea rescuers found the boat heavily overcrowded and brought two women ashore.

One suffered severe burns to her legs after coming into contact with a mixture of seawater and fuel, while the other had difficulty breathing.

Rescuers also brought ashore two men who were in cardiac arrest but were unable to revive them.

They were pronounced dead around midnight.

The two women, both Somali nationals, were taken to a hospital in Rang-du-Fliers.

One was later reportedly transferred by helicopter to Lille.

The daughter of one of the women, a girl aged about 10, was found safe among other migrants who had reached the shore.