A government spokesperson said: “We are shocked and saddened by this tragic incident. Our immediate thoughts are with all of those who have been affected.
“This latest tragedy underlines the terrible dangers of small boat crossings, and we continue to do everything we can to prevent callous criminals exploiting vulnerable people.”
A spokesperson for Kent Police said: “Officers are conducting enquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
Meanwhile, an investigation has begun into whether a migrant boat reached the Kent coast without being intercepted by the Border Force.
The thousands of people crossing the English Channel are usually brought to shore in Border Force or RNLI boats, but one is reported to have slipped through on Saturday, the first time this has happened since December 2022.
Kent Police said five people were detained near Kingsdown and passed to immigration authorities, the same day as more than 1,000 people were recorded to have arrived in the UK by small boat.
Asked about the incident, the Prime Minister’s spokesperson said: “My understanding is the circumstances of their arrival are being investigated, that all five people were placed under immigration control.
“We obviously have significant arrangements and technology in place to prevent uncontrolled landings.”