The decks of both Bembridge and Yarmouth RNLI lifeboats were full as they brought some 150 illegal migrants ashore in Gosport last night (Sunday).
As previously reported by Island Echo, the 2 All Weather Lifeboats from the Isle of Wight were launched yesterday evening in response to another migrant mega dinghy making its way across the English Channel from France.
It has been confirmed that a total of 149 illegals were brought ashore at Haslar Marina at around 22:30, with both RNLI lifeboats crowded with people as they entered Portsmouth Harbour – the home of the Royal Navy.
The migrants remained in Gosport for around 2-and-a-half hours before being transported by coach to Kent – under Police escort – at approximately 01:00 this morning (Monday).
It is the latest in a series of operations that have seen lifeboat crews called upon to respond to migrant boats crossing from France, with the Isle of Wight’s volunteers now involved in 2 of the 3 recent incidents.
On Sunday 6th September, Bembridge RNLI and Yarmouth RNLI were tasked to intercept a large migrant boat carrying around 160 people. Those rescued were subsequently landed at Eastney Beach in Portsmouth, where protests broke out over their arrival.
Then, on Tuesday 22nd September, another boat carrying approximately 50 migrants prompted a further rescue operation, this time involving lifeboats from Eastbourne and Hastings.
During that incident, the lifeboats switched off their AIS tracking signals as plans were put in place for the migrants to be brought ashore in Gosport.
However, the planned landing never materialised. Instead, the migrants were transferred at sea to a Border Force vessel and taken further along the coast to Dover.
That was not the case yesterday, with the decision instead made for the Isle of Wight’s lifeboats to complete the journey into Portsmouth Harbour and land the migrants in Gosport.
A significant multi-force policing operation was mounted in anticipation of their arrival, with officers from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, Dorset Police and Thames Valley Police all involved as protestors gathered – with chants of ‘send them back’ echoing.
Police imposed special powers in Gosport ahead of the migrants’ arrival. Under Section 14 of the Public Order Act 1986, protestors were directed to a designated area within Walpole car park. The wearing of face coverings to conceal identity during protest activity was prohibited.
Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones once again raised concerns about Hampshire becoming a destination for migrant landings and the substantial policing resources required to manage both arrivals and associated protests.
This latest escorting of migrants by Isle of Wight lifeboats has created anger in the local community, especially as the Island is left vulnerable during such operations when both of the local All Weather Lifeboats are tied up with taxing the migrants ashore.
