PARIS - Two people were found dead after a boat carrying migrants trying to cross the Channel from near the French port of Calais to Britain ran into difficulties early on Sunday, French authorities said.

Fifty-three other people were rescued.

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Tackling illegal immigration has been a priority for both the British and French governments. Thousands have arrived in Britain this year in small, overloaded boats.

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Last month, at least five migrants died while trying to cross the Channel from France.