AT least 31 migrants have drowned in the Channel in the deadliest incident since the crisis began after an inflatable dinghy flipped over.

A massive rescue operation is currently underway in French waters after the boat sank off the northern port of Calais, with at least three helicopters and three boats deployed to take part in the search.

At least 31 people have died in the tragic incident, local mayor Natacha Bouchart told BFM television.

The French interior ministry said patrol vessels found corpses and people unconscious in the water after a fisherman sounded the alarm about the incident.

Following the sinking - the deadliest single disaster on the intensively-used route - Dunkirk prosecutors opened a criminal investigation for "manslaughter" and "assistance with illegal immigration in an organised gang".

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At least 31 migrants drown in deadliest ever incident on the Channel after inflatable dinghy flips over during crossing
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