Mass Rescue Off Kent Coast as 39 Iranian Migrants Attempt UK Crossing
Hastings and Dungeness Lifeboats launched at 7:50am on Sunday to aid 39 Iranian nationals trying to reach the UK by sea. The dramatic operation was backed by two Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopters after a 999 emergency call.
Lifeboats and Helicopters Team Up in Major Rescue
The lifeboats responded to multiple migrant vessels spotted off the Kent coast. Kent Police attended Dungeness Lifeboat Station as the rescued migrants were brought ashore and handed over to authorities.
The Coastguard confirmed it coordinated “a number of incidents off the Kent coast,” collaborating closely with Border Force and Kent Police throughout the operation.
Biggest Ever Mult-agency Effort To Stop Migrant Crossings
- Two SAR helicopters deployed
- Three lifeboats involved
- Two Border Force vessels on scene
The swift response highlights ongoing challenges facing UK border patrols amid rising migrant attempts to cross the Channel.
