At least one dead and 50 rescued after boat trying to cross Channel capsizes

Rescue operation launched as French mayor says dozens of boats tried to cross at same time

At least one person died and about 50 were rescued after a boat trying to cross the Channel from France capsized early on Saturday, French authorities have said.

Franck Dhersin, the mayor of Téteghem near Dunkirk, said a vast rescue operation was launched at about 6am (5am BST) as dozens of boats tried to make the crossing at the same time.