The two women in their 20s are believed to have died from suffocation. Another 16 people have been injured, three of them seriously.
The fully loaded boat ran aground in Neufchâtel-Hardelot, near Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, early Sunday, according to regional authorities. On board were about 80 people who planned to cross the English Channel to reach Britain.
So far this year, at least eight migrants have died in risky journeys across the Channel. Last year, around 30 people died along the route.
Last week, France and Britain reached a three-year agreement to stop migrants from crossing the Channel, including an increased police presence.
