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More migrant boat rescues off Walmer and Dover Three migrant boat rescues in the English Channel
(about 3 hours later)
A boat carrying 13 suspected migrants and a rowing boat carrying another two have been stopped off the Kent coast. Twenty-three migrants have been rescued from boats in three separate incidents in the English Channel.
Lifeboats and the coastguard helicopter were involved in the first rescue operation two miles from Walmer at about 04:30 GMT. Lifeboats and a coastguard helicopter were involved in the interception of a boat carrying 13 people two miles from Walmer at about 04:30 GMT.
Those on board the boat were not thought to be wearing life jackets. A lifeboat later spotted a rowing boat occupied by two people about eight miles from Dover.
Two others were rescued eight miles from Dover a few hours later. It is also understood Border Force officials stopped a third boat. The French authorities also rescued six adults and two children from a third boat in UK waters.
The Home Office has not yet commented. The motor on their inflatable had broken down and it had been drifting, French maritime officials said.
They tweeted two images of the rescue, which appeared to show at least some of the eight people were wearing life jackets.
The 13 people on board the boat off Walmer were not thought to be wearing life jackets.
The Home Office has not yet commented on the incidents.
HM Coastguard said in a statement: "[We are] committed to safeguarding life around the seas and coastal areas of this country.HM Coastguard said in a statement: "[We are] committed to safeguarding life around the seas and coastal areas of this country.
"We are only concerned with preservation of life, rescuing those in trouble and bringing them safely back to shore, where they will be handed over to the relevant partner emergency services or authorities.""We are only concerned with preservation of life, rescuing those in trouble and bringing them safely back to shore, where they will be handed over to the relevant partner emergency services or authorities."
As recently as Saturday, a boat containing 16 migrants, including two children, was intercepted by the French authorities as it travelled towards the UK.As recently as Saturday, a boat containing 16 migrants, including two children, was intercepted by the French authorities as it travelled towards the UK.
It follows numerous attempts throughout November and December in which people on boats, many of them claiming to be Iranian, were stopped crossing the Channel.It follows numerous attempts throughout November and December in which people on boats, many of them claiming to be Iranian, were stopped crossing the Channel.