Three Dead After Asylum Seeker Dinghy Capsizes in Freezing English Channel
Tragic Night Incident Off Dungeness
Three people have died after a dinghy carrying asylum seekers capsized in the icy waters of the English Channel just after 3am on Wednesday. The Coastguard confirmed it launched a major rescue mission when the vessel, carrying 47 people, went down near Dungeness.
The alarm was raised at 3:40am. An air ambulance landed in Dover before 8:30am, with several ambulances waiting by the harbour. Rescue helicopters from Lydd and Northumbria were scrambled, alongside Dover and Dungeness lifeboats, and the Royal Navy’s HMS Severn patrol boat.
Search and Rescue Efforts Underway
A source involved in the mission said fatalities have been confirmed. With freezing water conditions, rescuers fear few, if any, more survivors will be found. So far, reports suggest around 27 people have been rescued and brought ashore, though the total missing is still unclear.
A UK Government spokesman said: “We are aware of an incident in UK waters, and all relevant agencies are supporting a coordinated response. More information will be provided in due course.”
Emergency Services Respond
The South East Coast Ambulance Service confirmed the Maritime and Coastguard Agency contacted them at 3:40am following the emergency call. They have mobilised resources to Dover to assist with the ongoing rescue operation but have no further updates at this time.
The tragedy highlights the deadly dangers faced by those risking the perilous Channel crossing in desperate bids for safety.
