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140 Migrants Rescued in English Channel Dinghy
Confirmed
In Short: A large group of migrants was rescued in the English Channel after a perilous journey from the Bay of the Seine.
French rescue boats shadowed a dinghy carrying around 140 migrants for nearly 10 hours, ensuring it did not encounter any difficulties at sea. The migrants were eventually brought to safety in Portsmouth, England, after being transferred from the dinghy.
According to the French coastguard, it was deemed unsafe to attempt to stop the dinghy on water, leading to the extensive rescue operation. The migrants were met by RNLI lifeboats from Bembridge and Yarmouth, who safely brought them to shore in Portsmouth.
In bilateral talks on Thursday, British and French officials agreed on making progress in reducing small boat crossings in the English Channel but acknowledged the need for further action. The rescue operation highlights the ongoing challenges in managing migration routes across the Channel.
Last year, at least 84 people died while attempting to cross the Channel, according to the United Nations. In August, a single small boat carried a record 230 people across the Channel, underscoring the scale of the issue. The recent rescue of 140 migrants in a single dinghy further emphasizes the complexity of the situation.
French authorities noted that the Bay of the Seine is not a common launching point for migrant boats, which typically depart from other areas. The rescue operation, involving RNLI lifeboats, a coastguard helicopter, and a coastguard aeroplane, demonstrates the coordinated response required to address such incidents.
What's confirmed
What's still developing
- A French authority spokesperson said a boat carrying around 140 migrants had been reported heading towards the UK.
- Dozens of migrants have arrived on the south coast after a major rescue operation at sea.
- Tonight images taken from a vantage point at Hayling Island show the RNLI bringing migrants ashore in Portsmouth.
- Isle of Wight RNLI crews were called into action earlier today (Sunday) after around 140 migrants aboard a single inflatable dinghy were rescued in the English Channel following a lengthy crossing from Normandy.
- Officials said it was not considered safe to intervene while the dinghy was at sea.
- An increase in the number of police officers working to tackle the “mega dinghies” transporting migrants from France to Britain was announced before their meeting earlier this week.