1. Meridian
  2. 4 updates

Border Agency brings nine people ashore off Dover

Nine people have been brought ashore by Border agency staff off the Dover coast.

Live updates

Suspected immigrants rescued from dinghy

Nine suspected illegal immigrants had to be rescued when they became stranded on a small power boat in the English Channel. Their rigid inflatable dinghy suffered engine failure about four miles east of Dover, Kent, with a force four wind blowing.

RNLI officials said those on board were "lucky" as they drifted in one of the world's busiest waterways.

Concerned people on passing vessels raised the alarm with the Coastguard after spotting the stricken boat at around 7.20am today.

Dover RNLI launched its six-crewed all-weather City of London II vessel and set up a tow with the dinghy before a Border Force vessel arrived.

An RNLI spokesman said the Border Force vessel then took over the tow and took the boat with its nine occupants on board to Dover lifeboat station at 10am.

The vessel had suffered engine failure and its occupants were drifting in choppy seas with a force four wind blowing. They were spotted by passing vessels concerned for their safety which called the Coastguard. The occupants were cold but didn't need medical attention. They were lucky. They were drifting in an incredibly busy stretch of water with the wind picking up. We're glad everyone is safe and well."

– Tony Hawkins, RNLI Dover boathouse manager

Advertisement

Border Agency brings nine people ashore off Dover coast

A lifeboat was called to assist UK Border Agency staff off the coast of Dover Credit: Chris Baker

Nine people have been pulled ashore by UK Border Agency staff off the coast of Dover.

The Dover Coastguard was called out at around 6am this morning to attend to an inflatable dinghy.

Once the lifeboat had reached the group and checked they were safe onboard, the group were handed over to UK Border Agency staff.

Back to top