Four people have died and 43 were saved in a dramatic Channel rescue involving the Royal Navy, French navy, Coastguard, and RNLI lifeboats.
Fishing Crew Lead the Rescue
Oceanic Drifter Fishing, Plymouth-based and owned by Ben Squire, played a heroic part. One of their scallop boats was first on the scene. Ben Squire revealed, “The skipper called to tell me he was in a serious incident.”
The team was fishing mid-Channel, halfway between England and France, when they spotted a rigid inflatable boat packed with migrants sinking dangerously close by.
“It appears the bottom of the inflatable boat had fallen away,” Squire explained. “People were in the icy water, clinging to what was left, freezing and terrified.”
Brave Crew Save 31 Lives
“We’re talking about human beings,” said Squire. “Lives have been lost today, but I’m really glad we saved 31.”
The skipper and crew pulled the survivors aboard. “They were soaking wet, freezing cold, panicking,” he added. The crew gave them dry clothes, hot showers, and food.
The rescue boat Arcturus then took the survivors safely to Dover.
Government Reacts to Tragedy
A government spokesman said the incident is under investigation. “This is a truly tragic incident. Our hearts go out to the friends and families of all those who have died.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his sorrow in the Commons: “I’m sure the whole house will share my sorrow at the capsizing of a small boat in the Channel in the early hours of this morning, and the tragic loss of human life.”
“Our hearts go out to all those affected, and we pay tribute to everyone involved in the massive rescue effort,” he added.
