PARIS, May 3 (Xinhua) -- Two migrants died early Sunday during an attempted crossing of the English Channel from the French side, local media reported.

According to French daily Le Figaro, around 82 people set off aboard a makeshift boat from Neufchatel-Hardelot, in the department of Pas-de-Calais in northern France, in the early hours of Sunday.

The boat later drifted at sea due to a suspected engine failure before running aground on a nearby beach.

Seventeen people who fell into the water were rescued offshore by maritime gendarmerie units, while 65 passengers were found on board. Two women were found dead inside the boat, and several others were evacuated to hospital, including three in critical condition. ■