More than 150 migrants are still being unloaded from Bembridge and Yarmouth RNLI lifeboats tonight (Sunday) as processing of the illegals continues at Eastney Beach in Portsmouth.
The large-scale operation began at around 10:35 this morning when both Bembridge RNLI and Yarmouth RNLI were tasked to intercept a large dinghy in the English Channel, roughly halfway between the Isle of Wight and Cherbourg.
Volunteer lifeboat crews from the Island have remained involved throughout the day and into the night, with their involvement now approaching the 12-hour mark.
A significant multi-agency presence has now been established on the Hampshire coast, where those intercepted in the Channel are now being brought ashore at the entrance to Langstone Harbour.
South Central Ambulance Service has deployed multiple resources to Eastney Beach with mass casualty triage tents erected as part of the operation.
Police have locked down the area and established cordons to keep members of the public away while the migrants are unloaded and processed by Border Force officials.
Protesters have arrived on scene, some of whom were involved in a protest at the Port of Dover earlier this week.
Several coaches have also arrived at the scene to transport the migrants away from the beach to a detention centre.
A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson has tonight said:
“In response to a report on 6 September of a small boat heading towards the Hampshire coast, HM Coastguard sent lifeboats, an HM Coastguard helicopter, an HM Coastguard aeroplane and HM Coastguard Rescue Teams.
“Border Force, Border Security Command, Hampshire Police and South Central Ambulance Service were also sent.”
The incident has already prompted political reaction on the Isle of Wight, with MP Joe Robertson saying earlier today that he intends to contact the Home Office to establish where the vessel was heading.
Read more on the polticial reaction at https://www.islandecho.co.uk/mp-to-question-home-office-after-migrant-boat-intercepted-by-island-lifeboats/.
The multi-agency operation remains ongoing tonight.
We're working on bringing you all the latest updates on this breaking news story.
Refresh this page or check back later for updates...
Do you have information, photos or video relating to this incident? Email [email protected]
