Three die as 50 scramble on to full Channel boat

THREE people died attempting to cross the English Channel in an overcrowded small boat yesterday.

- Giles Shedrick

Migrants ended up in the water after the craft was reportedly stormed by other asylum seekers on a beach in Sangatte, near Calais, at about 6am local time yesterday.

Chaos erupted when around 50 people tried to clamber aboard when it was already loaded with 60 men, women and children.

Charity worker Flore Judet said: "A boat was supposed to set off with 60 people on board.

"But a group of 50 additional people tried to get on the boat.

"This created extreme panic, causing many to end up in the water."

Ruthless

Many suffered hypothermia in the sea, while others did not have life jackets. Two people died soon after 6am, while a third body was hauled from the water at 10am.