Around 80 migrants, including at least three children, have been rescued after their boat encountered trouble while crossing the English Channel.
Dover and Walmer lifeboats were dispatched to assist the Border Force following reports that numerous individuals were in distress approximately 10 miles off the Kent coast on Thursday morning.
The rescue operation involved two Border Force vessels, two lifeboats, two French vessels, and two Coastguard helicopters, with British authorities leading the efforts.
A search of the area was conducted by lifeboats, and thankfully, there have been no reports of fatalities.
It is believed that the boat reached UK waters after being tracked by a French warship before encountering difficulties.
Some of those in the water may have drifted back into French waters, and individuals rescued by UK lifeboats are expected to be brought back to Dover.
An HM Coastguard spokeswoman confirmed that the organization was coordinating the response to the small boat incident in the Channel on Thursday morning.
This incident comes on the heels of Home Office figures released last month, revealing that over 7,500 migrants arrived in the UK by small boats in the first four months of the year – the highest level on record.
In 2023, a total of 29,437 individuals arrived on the Kent coast from France in small boats, representing a decrease of about a third from the previous year.
The English Channel, known for being one of the most dangerous and busiest shipping lanes globally, has become a focal point for migration attempts.
As the UK approaches polling day on July 4th, addressing the issue of small boat crossings has become a prominent election topic.
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