140 migrants in single dinghy rescued in English Channel

Following a meeting between UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and French President Emmanuel Macron, 140 migrants were rescued from a single dinghy in the English Channel. The small inflatable vessel, which had launched from the Normandy coast overnight, was picked up by two RNLI boats and two French coastguard vessels. The migrants, who had not requested assistance until reaching UK waters, were transported to the shore.

This rescue occurred after a record 230 people crossed in a single small boat in August. French authorities noted the unusual departure location of the dinghy, as it was launched from Bay of the Seine, around 170 miles away from the usual launch points near Calais. Since the election, the UK government has been working to curb dangerous small boat crossings, preventing over 48,000 attempts and seizing 1,100 boats and engines.

In a bid to tackle the issue further, the UK has entered into a payment-by-results deal with France to deploy 40% more coastguards on French beaches.