Four people died in a boat incident while attempting to cross the English Channel off the coast of northern France, according to local media reports.

The incident involved a migrant dinghy that sank in Channel waters, with rescue operations continuing in the area following the deaths.

Details about the circumstances of the sinking and the identities of the victims have not been immediately released by authorities. The incident occurred as rescue efforts remained underway off the northern French coast.

The English Channel has been the site of numerous attempted crossings by migrants seeking to reach the United Kingdom from France. These crossings often involve small, overcrowded boats that are vulnerable to the Channel's challenging conditions.

French authorities have not provided additional information about potential survivors or the total number of people who were aboard the vessel when it encountered difficulties.