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Channel migrants: Coastguard lead search and rescue operation Channel migrants: More than 60 people found on Boxing Day
(about 2 hours later)
A search and rescue operation was launched after migrant boats were seen attempting to cross the English Channel. More than 60 migrants have been picked up while attempting to cross the Channel in small boats.
The RNLI sent a lifeboat from Dover at about midnight, with a coastguard helicopter, aeroplane and two Border Force vessels also joining the search. Forty-nine people in four boats were met by Border Force and brought to England, while a further two boats were dealt with by French authorities.
HM Coastguard said it had been co-ordinating the response to a "number of incidents" off the Kent coast. The Home Office said it would try to return anyone who arrived in the UK illegally back to mainland Europe.
Anyone brought to shore would be passed to the relevant authorities, it said. Since January, more than 120 people who arrived in small boats have been sent back to European countries, it said.
In the same period, more than 1,800 people have crossed the Channel in small boats.
A search and rescue operation was launched in the early hours, with a coastguard helicopter, aeroplane and two Border Force vessels taking part.
An RNLI lifeboat was launched from Dover shortly before midnight on Christmas Day.
The Home Office said: "Illegal migration is a criminal activity. Those who seek to come to the UK illegally and the ruthless criminals who facilitate journeys are all breaking the law and endangering lives.
"When people arrive on our shores unlawfully, we will work to return them to mainland Europe."
It said patrols of French beaches had doubled, with "drones, specialist vehicles and detection equipment" deployed.
French authorities rescued 14 migrants, some of whom were said to be suffering from hypothermia, after a dinghy got into trouble off the coast of Boulogne-sur-Mer.French authorities rescued 14 migrants, some of whom were said to be suffering from hypothermia, after a dinghy got into trouble off the coast of Boulogne-sur-Mer.
They were met by border police and medics on their return to the French port.They were met by border police and medics on their return to the French port.
More than 1,700 people have crossed the Channel in small boats this year.
The Home Office has been contacted for comment.