French maritime authorities say a boat carrying more than 60 migrants has capsized in the Channel off France while attempting to reach Britain, with one person dead and another in critical condition.

The authorities say 66 people have been recovered, while the person in critical condition has been taken by helicopter to the hospital in Calais.

Reports say French sea rescue coordinators at Griz Nez near Calais received a warning during the night that a migrant boat was in difficulty less than eight kilometres (five miles) from the coast, and the rescue vessel arrived in the area at around 30 minutes past midnight.

Boats and aircraft are still looking for any remaining survivors, and the French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin is expected to visit Calais this Friday.