Drama at Dungeness: Child Falls from Migrant Vessel in Harrowing Rescue Op
Chaos erupted near Dungeness yesterday as South East Coast Ambulance “HART” teams and two rescue helicopters from Lydd and Lee on the Solent scrambled to aid RNLI lifeboats after a chilling report of a young child falling overboard from a migrant vessel.
The boat reportedly carried 13 others, and a bystander claimed the child might not be breathing. The rescue mission quickly escalated as lifeboats and Border Force vessels raced to the scene.
Major Rescue Effort Unfolds on the Water
Alongside the Dungeness lifeboat, an RNLI crew from Littlestone and the Border Force Cutter Valant joined the rescue. The drama began around midday on Saturday, 20th November 2021, when 15 migrants were spotted near the shore but made no attempt to come ashore.
Since the early hours—3.20am to be exact—a hectic recovery operation involving Dover Lifeboat and Border Force vessels has been underway. At 3.45am, a lifeboat returned to Tug Haven carrying 28 rescued migrants, with further recoveries ongoing.
Seven Rescue Units and Air Assets in Action
In total, seven rescue craft and multiple aerial units, including Rescue Helicopter 163 and Coastguard Spotter Plane 21, are taking part in this massive operation aimed at stopping migrants from landing in the UK.
Dozens more migrants have been spotted, including a group of 40 heading towards Dungeness and two individuals being towed by an RNLI lifeboat.
Search for the Child Still Underway
The sea search for the reported missing child continues relentlessly as authorities pull out all the stops to locate the youngster and ensure everyone’s safety.
Both the Home Office and the RNLI have been approached for comment on this ongoing crisis.
