Dover lifeboat crew in search for suspected immigrants

Dover's RNLI lifeboat was launched yesterday morning (Monday 10th June 2013) after reports that a Rigid Inflatable vessel was in difficulties in the south west shipping lanes with several people on board.

Dover Lifeboat "City Of London II" left her berth at 0730 with a crew of eight led by Coxswain Mark Finnis and proceeded to rendezvous with the vessel. A search-and-rescue helicopter from RAF Wattisham was also dispatched and the Pride of Kent ferry put on standby.

10 people were recovered from the scene by the French authorities with 1 person being airlifted to hospital in Calais suffering from hypothermia, and on arrival Dover Lifeboat proceeded to search the area looking for further casualties. Following an extensive search of the area, 2 fuel tanks were recovered from the water but it was established that all persons were accounted for.

The lifeboat and her volunteer crew were stood down at 1100 and returned to Dover where she was ready for service again at 1215.

Subsequently, French police said all 10 people were arrested and are being questioned about their immigration status.

Photo by Dover RNLI, shows French authorities towing away one of the vessels involved.