Four people dead after small boat incident in Channel

 

Four people dead after small boat incident in Channel

 

Forty-three people rescued in major operation launched after vessel got into difficulties off Kent coast

 

Wed 14 Dec 2022 12.18 GMT

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/dec/14/uk-coastguard-responds-to-small-boat-incident-in-channel-search-and-rescue

 

Four people have died after a small boat got into difficulties in the Channel, a UK government spokesperson said.

 

A major search and rescue operation was conducted off the coast of Kent by British and French authorities after receiving a distress call at about 3am on Wednesday.

 

The spokesperson said: “At 0305 today, authorities were alerted to an incident in the Channel concerning a migrant small boat in distress. After a co-ordinated search and rescue operation led by HM Coastguard, it is with regret that there have been four confirmed deaths as a result of this incident, investigations are ongoing and we will provide further information in due course.

 

“This is a truly tragic incident. Our thoughts are with the friends and families of all those who have lost their lives today.”

 

Government sources told PA Media 43 people were rescued, with more than 30 of those pulled from the water.

 

HM Coastguard launched lifeboats from Dover at 3.07am, quickly followed by boats from Ramsgate and Hastings. An air ambulance later joined the rescue mission.

 

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said HM Coastguard was working with the RNLI, Royal Navy, Border Force, the French navy and Kent police to look for the boat.

 

More than 30 of those rescued were pulled from the water, a government source told PA Media.

 

The UNHCR said it was “gravely concerned at reports of an incident involving a small boat”, and was seeking further information from the UK authorities.

 

The UK home secretary, Suella Braverman, said: “I am aware of a distressing incident in the Channel this morning and I am being kept constantly updated while agencies respond and urgently establish the full facts. My heartfelt thoughts are with all those involved.”

 

French authorities sent a helicopter from northern France as well as a French coastguard patrol boat to help the Kent coastguard, in addition to a French navy hydrography survey vessel involved in the operation.

 

“A fishing boat which was also in the area is taking part in the operation as well,” the French coastguard told Agence-France Presse.

 

A South East Coast ambulance service spokesperson 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.”

 

The boat’s passengers are understood to be refugees trying to reach the UK. The British Red Cross director of refugee support, Alex Fraser, said: “That anyone is making this journey in these temperatures shows just how desperate people are.

 

“Nobody puts their life at risk like this unless they feel they have no other option, and until we have more accessible safe routes for people to claim asylum, there is a danger we may see more such incidents. Our thoughts are with those on the boat, their families and those involved in the ongoing rescue mission.”

 

The government said “all relevant agencies” were involved in dealing with the incident. A spokesperson said: “We are aware of an incident in UK waters and all relevant agencies are supporting a coordinated response. Further details will be provided in due course.”

 

The Dover MP, Natalie Elphicke, said: “I am very saddened to hear that lives are feared to have been lost following a small boat tragedy in the English Channel this morning. My thoughts and prayers are with all those involved.”

 

HM Coastguard said the incident was ongoing and it had no further information. A spokesperson said: “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.”