Huge rescue operation is launched after migrant boat ‘got into difficulty’ in the Channel

At least three people are feared dead after a migrant boat got into difficulties in the early hours of this morning.

Emergency calls reporting the vessel was 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.

Sources involved in the search-and-rescue operation said there were ‘fatalities’ and that ‘victims were being airlifted’ from the sea.

‘The operation started just before 4am’ said a French source.

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

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Huge rescue operation is launched after migrant boat carrying more than 30 people capsized in freezing cold English Channel. The circle is one of the RNLI rescue boats

‘It is believed that there have been fatalities. Helicopters from Britain and France are carrying out airlifts.’

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.’ 

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.

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

It is understood the alarm was raised in the early hours after the dinghy carrying a group of migrants began to sink mid-Channel in freezing waters, according to unconfirmed reports from BBC News and it is feared there have been a number of fatalities.

A French SAR helicopter is also involved in the operation along with the Kent and Sussex Air Ambulance.

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.

‘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.