The likelihood of migrant boats landing on the Isle of Wight remains ‘extremely low’, the Isle of Wight Council has said following Sunday’s major incident.
The local authority has moved to address questions and concerns raised by Island residents after more than 150 migrants were intercepted in the English Channel on Sunday.
As first reported by Island Echo, Bembridge and Yarmouth RNLI lifeboats were tasked at around 10:35 to a large dinghy roughly halfway between the Isle of Wight and Cherbourg.
More than 150 people were subsequently taken aboard the Island’s lifeboats before being brought ashore at Eastney Beach in Portsmouth, where a significant multi-agency operation was established.
The Isle of Wight Council has now confirmed that its officers were involved in the multi-agency response throughout Sunday and into the early hours of Monday, working alongside Border Force, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Police.
The statement released by the Isle of Wight Council said:
“During the events of Sunday and into the early hours of Monday, Isle of Wight Council officers were engaged with the multi-agency response and worked closely with Border Force, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the police to maintain situational awareness.
We received confirmation from Border Force that the people involved in the crossing would not be brought ashore on the Isle of Wight. The intention throughout was for those on board the vessel to be landed on the mainland and transported to Kent.”
Article continues below this advertisement
The Council has also sought to reassure Islanders about the prospect of similar vessels reaching the Island in the future.
It says current assessments continue to indicate that the likelihood of small boats arriving directly on the Isle of Wight – or people intercepted during such crossings being brought to the Island – remains “extremely low”.
Furthermore, the Council says it has received no notification that the Isle of Wight is being considered as a location for either the disembarkation or processing of people arriving on small boats.
Responsibility for border security and immigration enforcement rests with the UK Government and its agencies.
However, the local authority says it remains in regular contact with the Home Office and partner agencies, saying:
“Nevertheless, we remain in regular contact with the Home Office and partner agencies to ensure the Isle of Wight’s interests, concerns and particular circumstances are made clear. We will also make representations to government through the Island’s MPs.”
Councillor Jonathan Bacon, Leader of the Isle of Wight Council, has thanked those involved in Sunday’s operation.
He said:
“I would like to thank the RNLI lifeboat crews, HM Coastguard, emergency services and all those involved in responding to this incident. Their professionalism, expertise and cooperation helped ensure the situation was managed safely and effectively.
“We understand residents may have questions about this issue and are committed to providing factual information where appropriate. We will continue to work with our partner agencies to ensure relevant information is shared through official channels.
“We would encourage residents to rely on trusted sources of information and avoid sharing unverified claims or rumours online.”
