Two people have died after a boat carrying dozens of migrants attempting to cross the English Channel ran into trouble off the coast of Calais, French regional authorities confirmed on Wednesday. The vessel, which was carrying approximately 80 people, encountered difficulties during a night-time crossing that began on Tuesday and extended into Wednesday morning.

Efforts to rescue the group were quickly launched after reports of distress surfaced, with emergency teams dispatched to the area. While the majority of the migrants were safely brought ashore, two lives were tragically lost in the process.

The English Channel remains one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes and a perilous route for migrants hoping to reach the UK. Despite heightened patrols and cooperation between French and British authorities, crossings have surged in recent years amid conflict, poverty, and political instability in migrants’ home countries.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the nationalities of the victims. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.