Three people have died after a small boat incident in the English Channel and 43 people have been rescued, a Government source said.
The Royal Navy, French navy, HM Coastguard and RNLI lifeboats are all involved in the major operation, off the coast of Kent this morning on Wednesday, December 14. RNLI lifeboats were launched from Dover at 3.07am, followed by vessels from Ramsgate and Hastings.
The boat is likely to have been carrying migrants risking the perilous crossing from France, a day after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak unveiled a package of new measures to "stop the boats". More than 44,000 people have made the dangerous crossing this year, Government figures show.
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It follows a fatal incident in November 2021 when at least 27 migrants died after a dinghy sank while heading to the UK from France. 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." 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."
Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "Awful, distressing reports from the Channel this morning. Thinking of all those involved. Thank you to all the agency and rescue service teams who are responding to this immensely difficult situation."
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