Suspected immigrants rescued after dinghy fails at sea

A Romanian man has been arrested on suspicion of assisting unlawful immigration, a Border Force spokesman said.

He added that eight Afghani nationals have also been detained and a criminal investigation has been launched by immigration enforcement officers.

The nine men were "lucky" to be rescued from the choppy seas as their vessel had lost power according to the RNLI Dover boathouse manager.

Tony Hawkins said: "The vessel had suffered engine failure and its occupants were drifting in choppy seas with a force four wind blowing.

He added: "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.

"They were spotted by passing vessels concerned for their safety which called the Coastguard. The occupants were cold but didn't need medical attention.

Nine suspected illegal immigrants had to be rescued when they became stranded on a small inflatable dinghy in the English Channel.

With a force four wind blowing, the powered boat suffered engine failure about four miles east of Dover, Kent.

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.

Read: Suspected immigrants rescued after dinghy fails at sea