English Channel chaos as 600 small boat migrants
Border Force Overwhelmed by Overcrowded Migrant Boats
Border Force is struggling to handle migrant smuggling gangs using boats carrying over 70 passengers each. A senior maritime source said, “The situation out there is complete chaos,” and Border Force “just can’t cope with the numbers.” Lifeboats from Dover, Ramsgate, and other areas are helping rescue these overcrowded vessels.
Increasing Rescue Demands
In recent days, boats have averaged 72 people each, forcing Border Force to rely on RNLI lifeboats. One lifeboat can carry 95 people, but overcrowding means only one boatload can be rescued at a time. This has led to more frequent RNLI involvement.
Heartbreaking Rescue Scenes
Rescue volunteer Paula Lain described pulling exhausted migrants from the water: “He had no strength to hold me… I just knew that if I let him go, he wouldn’t be there.” Videos show migrants clinging to wreckage and lifeboat crews throwing lifejackets into the Channel as people swim for safety.
RNLI’s Ongoing Efforts
The RNLI rescued 1,371 people in 2024 so far. Walmer RNLI helm Dan Sinclair said, “These people genuinely need our help. They are in distress… We’re doing what we can to keep families united and keep people alive.”
