A boat with migrants sank off the northern coast of France: at least 12 people died

A boat sank off France’s northern coast, stranding more than 50 migrants in the waters of the English Channel as they tried to cross Tuesday, killing at least 12 people, the Associated Press reported.

French maritime authorities said about a dozen of those rescued were in critical condition.

The prefecture said the boat got into difficulty off Cap Gris Nezand everyone on board ended up in the water. Boats and airplanes were involved in the rescue operation and more than 50 people were brought ashore, the prefecture said.

The English Channel is a busy and often dangerous waterway. At least 30 migrants have died or gone missing this year while trying to cross into Britain, according to the International Organization for Migration.