Huge rescue operation is launched after migrant boat 'in difficulty'

Hospital is ‘told to clear A&E for multiple casualties’ after migrant boat carrying more than 30 people capsized in freezing English Channel at 3am with huge rescue operation underway

  • The UK coastguard was called to a boat in distress just before 3am this morning
  • Ambulance at Dover Harbour close to where migrants are often brought ashore
  • Worst drowning of migrants crossing the Channel was on November 24, 2021 

An air and sea rescue operation is underway in the middle of the English Channel after a migrant boat got into difficulties in the early hours of this morning.

Emergency calls reporting a migrant boat in distress were received by the UK coastguard shortly before 3am.

The Marine Traffic radar website showed a cluster of vessels in the channel between Lydd in Kent and the Cap Gris Nez in France.

As well as an HM Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter vessels at the scene include two RNLI lifeboats from Ramsgate and Rye, the Royal Navy patrol boat HMS Severn, a French coastguard patrol boat Kermorvan as well as two fishing vessels.

GB News was reporting this morning Ashford hospital in Kent had been told to clear the A&E ahead of ‘multiple casualties.’ 

Would-be migrants are brought ashore by a lifeboat in Dungeness a few days ago

An ambulance was seen to pull up at Dover Harbour close to where migrants are usually brought ashore at the former jetfoil terminal around 7.40am.

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson said this morning: ‘HM Coastguard is currently coordinating a search and rescue response to an incident involving a small boat off Kent, working with the Navy, Border Force, Kent Police and other partners.

‘We have sent Dover, Dungeness, Hastings and Ramsgate RNLI lifeboats and Deal, Dungeness and Folkestone coastguard rescue teams, along with the coastguard area commander.

‘HM Coastguard helicopters from Lydd and Lee on Solent and one from the French Navy are involved. A fishing vessel in the area is also assisting in the rescue. South East Coast Ambulance and Kent Police are working with us and an air ambulance has been sent.

Three migrants who arrived in Kent on December 9 after they were rescued by the RNLI 

‘The incident is ongoing and we have no further information.

‘HM Coastguard will continue to safeguard life around the seas and coastal areas of the UK, working with search and rescue resources in the area. If a vessel needs search and rescue assistance, HM Coastguard will continue to respond to all those in need.’

News of the rescue operation will prompt fears someone could be seriously hurt or worse. 

The worst drowning of migrants crossing the Channel happened on the night of November 24, 2021.

A rubber dingy carrying carrying 34 people sank after repeated calls for help to rescue services on both sides of the Channel.

In July it was reported a preliminary investigation, carried out by a law firm on behalf of some of the relatives, uncovered communications between the British and French emergency services which suggests neither side took responsibility for the unfolding disaster.

More follows 

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