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.
Denne historien er fra September 04, 2024-utgaven av Daily Express.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra September 04, 2024-utgaven av Daily Express.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
THE ART OF WAR
Boss lauds 'ugly' derby win after sleepless nights blight build-up
CLOCK-WISE
Newcastle wake up in time to stun dominant Wolves
Vu's late burst ends brave European rally
LILIA GETS AMERICANS OVER LINE
'Miracle' Triple Layer Insoles stopped my husband's knee and foot paint!
They also turned him from a grumpy old grouch to being active, pain-free and happy again! And got my life back too!
Why teens are hooked on Friends 20 years on
The one where a new generation of fans is devoted to the hit TV show three decades after it first aired... Debbi Marco takes her children to an immersive experience bringing the iconic TV sitcom back to life
FINAL JOURNEY OF THE UNKNOWN WARRIOR
In the final extract from his impossibly moving new book, RAF veteran John Nichol reveals how the remains of ONE anonymous fallen serviceman were chosen to represent ALL of Britain's First World War missing
Space billionaire returns to Earth with a splash
THE first non-astronaut to walk in space landed back on Earth yesterday after an epic five-day trip.
'I feel I'm having one of the greatest decades of my life'
DAVINA McCall is relishing fulfilling lifelong her 50s career ambitions, scooping an MBE and finding happiness with partner Michael Douglas.
Putin hands Iran nuclear secrets in return for ballistic missiles
FEARS were growing in the West last night that Russia gave Iran nuclear secrets in return for ballistic missiles to use in its bombardment of Ukraine.
William wishes Harry a happy 40th birthday
KATE and William sent greetings to Prince Harry on his 40th birthday yesterday as they followed the lead of the King.