Dozens dead after boat carrying migrants capsizes in English Channel

More than two dozen people drowned after the boat carrying them from France to Britain capsized in the English Channel on Wednesday. Families with small children were packed onto overcrowded dinghies as they attempted the treacherous journey, which ended in the worst loss of life on record involving migrants in the narrow stretch of water. 

French officials were alerted to the bodies in the water by a fishing vessel. A joint French-British search and rescue mission saved dozens — but for many, it was too late. 

French officials said women and a young girl are among the dead.