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Seven suspected migrants found in boat off Kent | Seven suspected migrants found in boat off Kent |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Seven suspected migrants have been discovered in an inflatable boat off the Kent coast. | Seven suspected migrants have been discovered in an inflatable boat off the Kent coast. |
Coastguard and lifeboat teams were sent to find the boat, which was spotted off Dover. | Coastguard and lifeboat teams were sent to find the boat, which was spotted off Dover. |
The vessel was found at Folkestone harbour with seven people in it. | The vessel was found at Folkestone harbour with seven people in it. |
Kent Police and ambulance paramedics were also sent to the scene at about 05:30 GMT, but police said the matter had been passed to Home Office immigration enforcement. | Kent Police and ambulance paramedics were also sent to the scene at about 05:30 GMT, but police said the matter had been passed to Home Office immigration enforcement. |
Coastguards said three of the people on the boat were suffering from suspected hypothermia and South East Coast Ambulance service was called to assist. | |
It is thought the boat reached the shore without help. | |
'Risking their lives' | |
Ian Guy, UK coastguard duty controller, said rescuers searched the area because a separate emergency call was made at 06:00 GMT but they were confident only one boat was involved. | |
He said: "A thorough search of the area was made to establish that there was no other boat still out at sea. We are satisfied that is the case." | |
Charlie Elphicke, the Conservative MP for Dover and Deal, said the incident showed the need "to be more vigilant than ever" after the Jungle camp in Calais was closed. | |
He said: "This is yet another sign of the extreme lengths people will go to, risking their lives trying to break into Britain. | |
"Crossing the English Channel in a small boat as winter sets in is about as dangerous as it gets. | |
"This incident underlines the need to ensure we scan our seas for people smugglers, protect our borders and to strengthen our intelligence effort with France." |
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