EIGHTEEN PEOPLE IN HOSPITAL AS MIGRANT BOAT SINKS OFF FRENCH COAST

Large-scale search and rescue operation launched in Channel after report of vessel in difficulty. Search operations are ongoing after a migrant boat sank off the coast of France.

Eighteen people have been taken to hospital, according to French authorities, after the incident on Tuesday. Military resources as well as civilian boats have been involved in the rescue operation after the vessel was seen to be in difficulty near Dunkirk. The people are thought to have been trying to cross to the UK, despite wind gusts of up to 18mph. Read more HERE.