Death-defying migrant boats caught at sea despite recent tragedy
Just over a week after 27 migrants lost their lives at sea, desperate crossings continue under cover of darkness off France, we can reveal.
Two dinghies set sail from Gravelines in the dead of night
In the early hours of Saturday, two overcrowded boats launched from Gravelines. One six-to-seven-metre dinghy carried around 50 migrants. The second vessel is believed to have a similar number on board.
French warship and UK coastguard launch dramatic rescue
After intelligence was shared with French and UK coastguards, a French warship began tracking the boats. A UK Coastguard spotter plane from Doncaster joined the hunt.
Officials in dover/" title="Dover" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Dover are coordinating a major rescue operation. The RNLI Dover Lifeboat was deployed to assist alongside Border Force and other rescue services.
Latest update: RNLI lifeboat rescues 61 migrants
UPDATE 4.30am: The RNLI lifeboat, crewed by nine, has safely recovered 61 migrants. They have now been dispatched to a new sighting of 28 more onboard another boat.
The harrowing migrant crossings show no signs of stopping despite the deadly dangers ahead.
