The Dover RNLI Lifeboat and Coastguard Rescue 163 helicopter from Lydd in Kent have all...

Published: 5:11 pm December 25, 2022
Updated: 8:38 am October 8, 2025
Coastguard Rescue Helicopter And Dover Rnli Lifeboat Launched On Christmas Day To Rescue Migrants Vessels In The English Channel

The Dover RNLI Lifeboat and Coastguard Rescue 163 helicopter from Lydd in Kent have all been tasked by HM Coastguard after a Mayday call by a number of Migrants vessels  currently  in the English Chanel. The All-Weather Lifeboat launched at just before 5pm on Christmas Day  (December 25th) along with the rescue helicopter to locate and assist and rescue a number of migrants that have been seen and are being shadowed by a French warship near to  the Sandettie  lightvessel station located  in the North Sea Search and rescue resources  are currenttly headed to a position to recover a number of migrants who are attempting to make the crossing into the UK

Coastguard Rescue Helicopter And Dover Rnli Lifeboat Launched On Christmas Day To Rescue Migrants Vessels In The English Channel
Coastguard Rescue Helicopter And Dover Rnli Lifeboat Launched On Christmas Day To Rescue Migrants Vessels In The English Channel
  There have been reports of at least one vessel with approx 35-40 migrants onboard.  The Rescue helicopter rRescue 163 is currenttly shoawding from above.   If you or someone else is in difficulty on the coast or at sea, or if you spot what you think may be unexploded ordnance, then dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Further safety information can be found at https:///coastguardsafety.campaign.gov.uk/.   Update: A further RNLI lifeboat from Ramsgate ha been launched and sent to the location to recover more migrants.   More to follow

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