Migrant Tragedy Almost Repeats as Two Dinghies Head into English Channel
Just days after 27 migrants tragically died at sea, desperate migrants have again risked the perilous journey under the cover of darkness in France, our sources reveal.
Two Overloaded Boats Launch from Gravelines
In the early hours of Saturday morning, two dinghies set off from Gravelines, northern France. One vessel, a six to seven-metre boat, carried around 50 people. The second is believed to hold a similar number of migrants.
French and UK Forces in High Alert
French and UK coastguards quickly picked up on the boats after receiving intelligence reports. The French warship has been tracking the vessels while a UK Coastguard Spotter plane joins the hunt.
Major Rescue Operation Underway
The UK Coastguard is coordinating a full-scale rescue mission with Border Force and the RNLI dover/" title="Dover" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Dover Lifeboat called out to help save those onboard. The operation aims to recover every single person from the crowded boats.
Stay tuned for updates on this dramatic Channel crossing and unfolding rescue effort.
