Four people have died after a small boat incident in the English Channel and 43 others were rescued, according to British government sources.
The British navy, French navy, UK coast guard and RNLI lifeboats are all involved in a major operation.
RNLI lifeboats were launched from Dover on the south coast of England at 3.07am, followed by vessels from Ramsgate and Hastings.
The boat is likely to have been carrying migrants risking the crossing from France, a day after British 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, UK government figures show.
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.”
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 with all those involved.— Natalie Elphicke MP (@NatalieElphicke) December 14, 2022
British 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.”
The British government said “all relevant agencies” are involved.
A spokesman said: “We are aware of an incident in UK waters and all relevant agencies are supporting a co-ordinated response.
“Further details will be provided in due course.”
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.
— Suella Braverman MP (@SuellaBraverman) December 14, 2022
Coastguard rescue teams from Deal, Dungeness and Folkestone are involved in the operation, along with helicopters from Lydd and Lee on Solent, and another from the French navy is also taking part.
A fishing vessel in the area is assisting with the rescue while an air ambulance has also been sent.
