Around 80 migrants, including at least three children, were rescued after their boat encountered trouble while crossing the English Channel. The incident occurred about 10 miles off the Kent coast on Thursday morning.
Dover and Walmer lifeboats were dispatched to assist Border Force following reports of dozens of people in the water. The rescue operation involved two Border Force vessels, two lifeboats, two French vessels, and a Coastguard helicopter, with British authorities leading the efforts.
The rescue is progressing well, with no reported fatalities. The boat reportedly reached UK waters after being shadowed by a French warship before it got into difficulty. Some migrants may have drifted back into French waters, but those picked up by UK lifeboats are expected to be brought to Dover. Lifeboats continue to search the area.
An HM Coastguard spokeswoman confirmed they were coordinating the response to the small boat incident. This incident comes amid increasing numbers of migrants crossing the Channel, with Home Office figures revealing over 7,500 arrivals in the first four months of the year, the highest level on record. Last year, 29,437 migrants arrived on the Kent coast from France, a decrease from the previous year.
The English Channel remains one of the world’s most dangerous and busiest shipping lanes, posing significant risks for those attempting the crossing.
