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Channel migrants: More than 60 people found on Boxing Day | |
(about 2 hours later) | |
More than 60 migrants have been picked up while attempting to cross the Channel in small boats. | |
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. | |
The Home Office said it would try to return anyone who arrived in the UK illegally back to mainland Europe. | |
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. |