Migrants: Data shows 249 made Channel crossing on same day

Daniel SextonBBC News, South East
News imageReuters Migrant boat off the coast of CalaisReuters
French authorities said the body of a woman was recovered from the water during a rescue operation on Wednesday

Official figures show 249 people crossed the English Channel on Wednesday.

It was the first set of crossings for three days and came as at least one woman lost her life in the waters. Two others are still missing.

Government data showed five boats were detected during the day

A similar number of vessels were recorded on Sunday, when 290 migrants made the crossing.

The total number of migrants who have crossed the Channel so far this year is 2,255.

French maritime authorities said the body of a woman was recovered from the water during a rescue operation on Wednesday.

The Home Office said the loss of life was "devastating".

It said in a statement: "This is a reminder of the dangers of crossing the Channel in small boats and how vital it is that we work together with France to prevent people from making crossings."

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