ONE person has died and five others have been rushed to hospital after a migrant boat sank in the English Channel.
The boat was said to have been carrying about 50 people when the horror unfolded off the coast of Dover at 4am today.
Dozens were rushed to shore on a lifeboat, with many spotted being brought in on stretchers.
Five people were said to be in a serious condition when they got to land, and then raced to hospital.
The French Coastguard said: "This Saturday, August 12 the regional operational center for surveillance and rescue (CROSS) Gris-Nez is informed by the public service patrol boat Cormoran that a migrant boat was sinking off Sangatte.
"The Cormorant then launched its semi-rigid to rescue the castaways. In parallel, the CROSS Gris Nez mobilized.
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"At this stage, under the coordination of the CROSS Gris Nez, about 50 people were rescued, some of them by British means.
"Unfortunately, six people were recovered in serious condition and one of them, evacuated by helicopter to the hospital in Calais was declared dead.
"An investigation was opened by the Boulogne public prosecutor's office."
HM Coastguard added: "HM Coastguard is currently assisting the French authorities, Gris Nez, in a search and rescue response to an incident involving a small boat in the Channel.
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"Dover RNLI lifeboat has been sent as part of that assistance with Folkestone and Langdon Bay coastguard rescue teams. South East Coast Ambulance has also been sent.
"HM Coastguard will continue to work with search and rescue partners to respond to those in distress around the seas and coastal areas of the UK."
The Sun has approached the Home Office for comment.
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