At least five migrants died in an attempt to cross the English Channel from an area near the French town of Wimereux on Tuesday, police said.

The French coast guard confirmed a police rescue operation had found several "lifeless bodies" following a failed attempt to cross the Channel.

A coast guard spokesperson said its agents were still operating at sea after what the official called a "busy" morning, with several crossing attempts.

The attempts took place after Britain's upper house of parliament passed legislation on Monday night that will allow the U.K. government to send asylum-seekers to Rwanda rather than stay in Britain for processing.

Credit: Sky News