People feared dead as UK Coastguard responds to small boat incident in Channel

 

People feared dead as UK Coastguard responds to small boat incident in Channel

 

Major search and rescue operation under way after incident off Kent coast

 

Emily Dugan

@emilydugan

Wed 14 Dec 2022 09.26 GMT

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

 

People who tried to cross the Channel in freezing conditions overnight are feared to have died, with a major search and rescue operation under way for a small boat off the coast of Kent.

 

HM Coastguard received reports of an incident at about 3.40am on Wednesday. An air ambulance was part of the rescue mission.

 

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.

 

A South East Coast ambulance service spokesman 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 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 co-ordinated response. Further details will be provided in due course.”

 

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

 

A spokesperson added: “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.”