Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Migrant boats carrying fifty people intercepted crossing English Channel

Group of Iranian, Iraqi, Kuwaiti, Syrian and Yemeni nationals found approaching Dover

Colin Drury
Saturday 04 April 2020 12:05 EDT
Comments
(PA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

More than 50 people have been intercepted trying to cross the English Channel.

The 49 men and four women were discovered by Border Force officials near Dover in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The group – which was made up of Iranian, Iraqi, Kuwaiti, Syrian and Yemeni nationals – were found travelling on four boats which were picked up between 2.20am and 6am.

Their crossing follows the interception of 52 migrants and refugees, including five children, in the same area on Thursday. With the arrival of British Summer Time, such crossings are expected to become more frequent from now until the late autumn.

The latest group were all taken ashore where they underwent medical checks and were passed to immigration officials, a government spokesman said.

The Home Office said the attempted crossings were reckless acts facilitated by criminals and the incidents were being investigated.

The spokesperson said Border Force and all operational staff were wearing the relevant personal protective equipment in line with Public Health England guidance during the coronavirus pandemic.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in