MIGRANT deaths are “man-made” and those responsible “must be held to account,” campaigners said today as three more people died in the English Channel.

A rescue operation was launched off the coast of Calais after a life jacket was spotted in the sea.

Forty-eight people were recovered in the search, and first aid was given to two unconscious people.

They were later confirmed dead in Calais, the French maritime prefecture said.

A ferry recovered another person who was seen overboard during search operations, and they were declared dead in hospital in Boulogne-sur-Mer.

So far this year, 48 deaths have been reported by the French coastguard, including a baby who died last week.

Ravishaan Rahel Muthiah, of the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, said: “This tragedy is man-made and those responsible must be held to account.

“This government had an opportunity to enact real change, by opening up safe routes.

“Instead, they’re following the Tory playbook when it comes to gambling with migrant lives.”

Mr Rahel Muthiah said a policy of deterrence “simply does not work,” adding: “This government must open up more safe routes and treat people with the compassion and humanity we all deserve.”

Care4Calais CEO Steve Smith said: “To witness the increasing regularity in which people are losing their lives on our border, and not to introduce safe routes in response, would be a clear signal that the UK may have a new government, but just like the last one, they don’t value the lives of the men, women and children who are seeking sanctuary in the UK as equals.

“How much more evidence do our politicians need that their so-called deterrents don’t work?

“They don’t reduce the number of crossings, they just force people to take more risks to make the crossings.”

Safe Passage chief executive Wanda Wyporska said the high number of deaths cannot be normalised or accepted, adding: “This government must open safe routes urgently.

“Without them, the smugglers will continue to exploit the lack of safe alternatives for people fleeing war and persecution.”

Amnesty International UK’s Steve Valdez-Symonds said tragedies in the Channel have become “appallingly regular” as he also urged the government to set up safe alternatives.

A Home Office spokesman said the government will “stop at nothing to dismantle” people-smuggling business models and bring them to justice.