According to a statement from the group, the French navy helped about 180 individuals on Wednesday by conducting four rescue operations with the use of boats and a helicopter.
An incident was earlier verified by a UK Home Office official, who also stated that “French authorities are leading the response and investigation.”
“We will not be commenting further at this stage.”
The Home Office’s data show that in the last week alone, 290 people have made the perilous trip.
This year’s total now stands at 2,006 individuals.
“Our thoughts go out to the families of those affected by the tragic loss of life in the English Channel this afternoon and to all those who valiantly answered the distress call,” stated Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council.
“This is yet another avoidable human tragedy.”
