One useless, 50 rescued after small boat incident in Channel – French authorities
ne particular person has died and about 50 individuals have been rescued following an incident involving a small boat within the Channel on Saturday morning, French authorities have mentioned.
Two British ships and a number of other French vessels have been concerned in a search and rescue operation, a press release from France’s Maritime Prefecture of the Channel and the North Sea mentioned.
Early on Saturday morning, data was obtained from a patrol boat {that a} migrant boat was sinking off Sangatte, the assertion mentioned.
Six individuals have been recovered in a critical situation, one in every of whom was then taken by helicopter to Calais hospital and declared useless.
It is known Home Secretary Suella Braverman will chair a gathering with Border Force officers later.
A UK Government spokesperson mentioned: “We are aware of an incident in the Channel. HM Coastguard are working on a co-ordinated response and further information will be provided in due course.”
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution mentioned a Dover-based volunteer lifeboat crew launched simply earlier than 4am to reply to the incident.
An investigation has additionally been opened by the Boulogne prosecutor’s workplace.