A number of migrants are feared drowned after a boat they were on capsized off the Kent coast. A large search and rescue operation has been launched in the English Channel following the incident involving a small boat in the early hours of Wednesday.
Rescue teams are continuing the operation after being alerted at about 3.40am. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said HM Coastguard was working with the RNLI, Royal Navy, Border Force, French navy and Kent Police to look for the boat, while an air ambulance has also been sent to the scene.
It is thought there were at least 30 people on board. According to Simon Jones from the BBC some have died. He said in a tweet: "It’s understood there have been fatalities after a migrant boat sank in the Channel. This has not yet been confirmed by the authorities."
HM Coastguard said the incident is ongoing and they have “no further information”. A spokesperson added: “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.
“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.”
A South East Coast Ambulance Service spokesman said: “South East Coast Ambulance Service was called by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency following reports of an incident in the channel at about 3.40am on Wednesday, 14 December. We have sent resources to Dover in support of the rescue efforts being undertaken by the Coastguard. As this is an ongoing incident, we have no further updates at this time.”
