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

French authorities said a total of 112 people were on board the vessel, and 47 people were rescued so far after the accident.

"After hitting a sand bank, the boat made it back out to sea. A crush then appears to have happened on board the overcrowded boat, leading to several casualties," AFP quoted a local official as saying. 

A search operation is still underway.

(With input from agencies)