Hundreds of demonstrators have gathered in Portsmouth after a small boat thought to be transporting asylum seekers arrived at the coast. It is understood around 140 migrants in a single dinghy were rescued in the English Channel on Sunday.
The people on board the inflatable vessel launched from the Normandy coast overnight before getting into difficulty in UK waters. They called for help and were later picked up by two RNLI lifeboats, according to the French coastguard.
Major emergency response
The boat prompted a major response from emergency services, with a helicopter, plane and lifeboats deployed to the scene. The occupants of the boat were safely brought to shore in the maritime city where it is understood they will be processed as is routine for arrivals.
Videos uploaded on social media showed groups of people being taken to shore on lifeboats and escorted to parked coaches. An estimated 500 protesters have reportedly gathered in Portsmouth, with some all dressed in black - similarly to those who joined a 'stop the boats' migrant protest at the Port of Dover on Saturday.
Political reaction
Conservative MP for Isle of Wight East, Joe Robertson, posted: “Extremely concerning to see an illegal migrant crossing this far west.
“We don’t know if this migrant boat was headed for the Isle of Wight but I’ll be contacting the Home Office first thing. We need to know exactly what happened and if new routes are being used for mega-dinghies by people smugglers.”
Official statements
A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson said: “In response to a report on September 6 of a small boat heading towards the Hampshire coast, HM Coastguard sent lifeboats, an HM Coastguard helicopter, an HM Coastguard aeroplane and HM Coastguard Rescue Teams.
“Border Force, Border Security Command, Hampshire Police and South Central Ambulance Service were also sent.”
A Home Office spokesperson said: “This Government is bearing down on dangerous small boat crossings and restoring control at our border. Joint efforts have seen over 48,000 crossing attempts prevented and 1,100 boats and engines seized since the election.
“We are making progress, with the number of small boat crossings down this year and the lowest number recorded for the month of July since 2020.
“But we must go further, which is why we have signed a payment-by-results deal with the French to put 40% more boots on the ground on French beaches.”
