The "horrifying and deeply tragic incident" will likely mean 2024 is the deadliest year on record for crossings.
Some 37 asylum seekers have lost their lives so far this year, matching the total for 2021.
But with two people missing and more critically ill in hospital, the death toll could rise further, heaping more pressure on the British and French governments to end the Channel crossings crisis.
Olivier Barbarin, the Mayor of Le Portel, near Boulogne-sur-Mer, said the boat was "massively overcrowded" when it set off from a beach in his town early in the morning. The vessel was thought to be carrying about 70 people.
A pregnant woman was among the 12 who died, mayor of Boulogne-surMer Frederic Cuvillier told the BBC.
French interior minister Gerald Darmanin said those killed in the incident included "about 10 women, some of whom were minors".
He added that those killed were "primarily of Eritrean origin", but added that officials "do not have consolidated details that would allow us to specify the exact nationalities".
Rescue
The inflatable reached Cap GrisNez, the headland which is 21 miles away from the UK, and the closest point of France to England, before taking on water.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 04, 2024-Ausgabe von Daily Express.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 04, 2024-Ausgabe von Daily Express.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Villa icon was 'real-life superhero' who helped conquer the continent
STAN COLLYMORE hailed the late Gary Shaw as \"a real-life superhero\" and the main reason he started playing football.
'We got Champions League bibs and balls on Sunday... I can't tell you how proud and happy it ano made me'
McGINN LIVING A EURO DREAM
I'm one of the lucky ones' says Margie, 74, after three cancer battles
CANCER survivor Margie Shields says she feels lucky to be alive after beating the disease three times in 20 years.
Where are your eyes, world? Can you not see? People are dying every day
As the Ukraine conflict drags on, a passionate cris de coeur for our ongoing support for the embattled nation. But is its author a politician or soldier? No, she is a 15-year-old girl whose words should inspire us all, writes Lord Ashcroft
Firestorm as missiles hit border city
UKRAINE has pounded Russia's border region of Belgorod in a series of surprise missile strikes.
Putin boosts total soldier numbers by 180k to 1.5m
VLADIMIR Putin has ordered army chiefs to increase the number of Russian troops by 180,000 to 1.5 million.
Man City's defence over finance claims kicks off
THE landmark legal battle between the Premier League and Manchester City over 115 allegations that the club broke financial rules began yesterday behind closed doors in London.
Baby Reigndeer
Stalker hit rises above furore to win 4 gongs
'I will be glad when you gone... suspect's years of Trump hatred
THE alleged would-be assassin of Donald Trump formed a hatred for the former US president - despite voting him into the White House.
Painful proof my pal Esther's fight is right
DAME Esther Rantzen has been my friend, mentor, confidante, companion and let me unleash my true fan-girl here - inspiration for almost 30 years.