At least 31 people have died after the dinghy they were travelling in capsized while trying to cross the English Channel.
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Local maritime officials have described it as "the worst accident involving migrants trying to make it to Britain".

According to fishermen, more migrants left France's northern shores than usual to take advantage of calm sea conditions, although the water was bitterly cold.

One fisherman called the rescue services after seeing an empty dinghy and people floating motionless nearby.

Franck Dhersin, deputy head of regional transport and Mayor of Teteghem on the northern French coast, said the death toll had reached 31 and he expected it to rise further.

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