TWO women died while trying to cross the Channel from France in a small boat early today.

They were on a dinghy carrying 82 people, French authorities said. 

The refugees, believed to be in their 20s and of Sudanese origin, were found dead in the boat after it ran aground.

Three more people were found to be in a state of “absolute emergency” with burns, and 14 were in a state of “relative emergency.”

An investigation has been opened by the Boulogne-sur-Mer prosecutor’s office.

It comes after four people drowned on April 9, and two others died on April 1.

Refugee Council’s Imran Hussain said: “We know that it is desperation that drives refugees fleeing devastating war and brutal regimes into small boats. 

“The lack of safe and legal routes to the UK is a problem that needs fixing.

“The government has said Sudan is the greatest humanitarian crisis facing the world, but a Sudanese refugee has no safe route to the UK, even if it is to join up with their family.”