A small boat carrying 57 migrants across the English Channel, including four women and a toddler, sank off the coast of Calais, hospitalising one. 

The unconscious victim was airlifted to the Boulogne-sur-Mer hospital after the boat quickly deflated on Sunday.

The maritime prefect of the Channel and the North Sea said: "The rescue system deployed to the scene of the shipwreck is thus proceeding with the rescue and recovery of the 57 occupants of the boat."

A source told French outlet BFMTV that a regional operational surveillance and rescue centre sent out a ship to engange with the migrant boat as it was aware of its departure.

The Riden intercepted the boat and rescued the migrants with the help of an intervention, assistance and rescue tug (RIAS).

Three of the people onboard needed medical attention - with one unconscious and two experiencing hypothermia.

A Prémar press release added: "The other survivors were dropped off in Calais by the Ridens and taken care of by the rescue services on land at around 9.45 am."

Police and firefighters were also dispatched to the scene after medical personnel were called.

The same day, another boat was sent to monitor a migrant crossing from Le Portel, carrying 38 people, which ended up needing assitance. 

They were rescued at Boulogne-sur-Mer and were taken care of early this morning.

The press release added: "The morning of Sunday, February 9 was marked by several engagements by the Gris-Nez Cross of the means of the human life-saving system in the Pas-de-Calais Strait, following numerous crossing attempts reported in the sector."