A pair of RNLI lifeboats from the Isle of Wight have been involved in the interception of a migrant boat, with more than 150 people onboard, in the English Channel this afternoon (Sunday).
It was at around 10:35 that both Bembridge and Yarmouth RNLI were tasked the English Channel – around halfway between the Island and Cherbourg.
Island Echo understands that the vessel left France last night.
Several French lifeboats and a border patrol ship were alerted to the launch in the early hours of this morning, reports GB News.
Once on scene it was quickly established that the situation was much more serious than first feared, with more than 150 migrants on board the ‘large boat’.
Subsequently, the assistance of a HM Coastguard plane and helicopter – as well as Weymouth RNLI – was requested.
The incident remains ongoing.
