Four people have died and 43 were rescued after a small boat carrying migrants got into difficulties in the English Channel off the Kent coast, UK authorities confirmed. The incident prompted a major search and rescue operation involving British and French coastguards, the RNLI, Royal Navy, Border Force, and Kent Police.
The distress call was received at around 3am on Wednesday. HM Coastguard launched lifeboats from Dover, Ramsgate, and Hastings, with an air ambulance later joining the mission. More than 30 of those rescued were pulled from the water, according to government sources.
A UK government spokesperson expressed regret over the four confirmed deaths, stating: 'This is a truly tragic incident. Our thoughts are with the friends and families of all those who have lost their lives today.' The Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, said she was being kept updated and described it as a 'distressing incident'.
The UNHCR said it was 'gravely concerned' and sought further information. The British Red Cross director of refugee support, Alex Fraser, noted: 'That anyone is making this journey in these temperatures shows just how desperate people are.' The Dover MP, Natalie Elphicke, expressed sadness and offered thoughts and prayers.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency confirmed the incident was ongoing, with helicopters from Lydd, Lee on Solent, and the French navy involved. A fishing vessel also assisted in the rescue. Investigations are ongoing.
