Two migrants have died as they tried to cross the English Channel and reach the UK in a small boat.
A Government spokesperson confirmed on Saturday two people had died in the “tragic incident”.
Their ages have not been confirmed.
Other people were rescued from the boat and were reportedly returned to France on French vessels, it was understood.
French authorities are understood to be leading an investigation into the deaths.
A UK Government spokesperson said: “We can confirm there has been a tragic incident in the Channel involving a small boat in French waters which has resulted in the loss of two lives.
“This latest tragedy underlines the terrible dangers of small boat crossings and we continue to do everything we can to prevent callous criminals exploiting vulnerable people.
“Our thoughts are with those affected.”
More than 17,000 people have crossed the Channel this year so far, according to provisional Home Office figures.
New prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to tackle the issue at its source by “smash[ing] the gangs” smuggling people across borders.
Last month, he pledged £84 million in foreign aid to help stop irregular migration.
