‎Two migrants died overnight while trying to cross the Channel to Britain, French authorities said Saturday, adding that some 60 others had been rescued.

‎The incident occurred south of the beaches of Neuchâtel-Hardelot, when about 100 people were trying to get to the UK on a makeshift boat.

‎About 60 people “are currently being taken care of”, Isabelle Fradin-Thirode, an official in nearby Montreuil-sur-Mer, said.

‎The incident brings the number of Channel crossing deaths to at least 25 this year, according to an AFP tally based on official data.

‎Since January, a record 31,000 migrants have arrived in Britain by crossing the Channel in small boats.

‎Under a recent Franco-British scheme, the UK can return them after arrival if they are deemed ineligible for asylum, including those who have passed through a “safe country” to reach UK shores.

‎In return, London will accept an equal number of migrants from France who are likely to have their asylum claims granted.

‎AFP