As the government dispatches another three patrol vessels to monitor the English Channel for migrant boats coming from France, civilian boat operators have also been warned by the coastguard to look out and report any suspicious vessels they see.
The problem of migrants crossing the Channel is not new but has escalated recently with 40 migrants arriving in Kent on five separate vessels on Christmas day alone. Two boats were assisted to shore by RNLI crews and the RNLI has been in the forefront of rescuing people, many claiming asylum from Iran, as they desperately brave the Channel in winter in a bid to reach the UK. In November and December lifeboat crews from Dover, Littlestone and Walmer were called out a total of 25 times to rescue migrants in boats. Home office figures estimate that 539 migrants tried to reach the UK in small boats with 80% attempting the journey in the last three months of the year.
RNLI crews have been getting out of bed to rescue migrants more often in recent months
Meanwhile the coastguard has been warning anyone sailing or operating a vessel in the Channel to be on watch for migrants. With Channel winter water temperatures making life expectancy for anyone pitched into the sea less than an hour, all mariners are asked to be extra vigilant.
While the government’s home Secretary Sajid Javid declared the sudden influx of boat people as a ‘major incident’, others have pointed out that the numbers arriving are small compared to those smuggling themselves in on lorries and vans.
The government was initially reluctant to dispatch patrol vessels to the Channel, saying it might encourage more people to risk their life in the dangerous journey. But Mr Javid announced a return of two Border Force cutters from the Mediterranean, to support the pair already operating in the Channel, as well as tasking the Royal Navy patrol ship, HMS Mersey, to patrol as well.
Responding to criticism of the RNLI in helping migrants to come to the UK the charity’s Acting Head of Maritime Delivery Adrian Carey said in a message to crews:
“You may be aware that some of our lifeboat crews have been involved in the rescue of people trying to cross from France to the UK in unsuitable small boats. This activity is attracting a lot of media attention and we can all see that public opinion on migrant activity is divided. This has resulted in some unfortunate and unwarranted criticism of the crews carrying out the rescues and the RNLI stance.
“It’s important that we can all speak with one voice and I want to make sure you have the information you need so that you understand the RNLI’s stance and feel confident to answer questions from the public and supporters. Like you, I’m proud of the RNLI’s work, and know that our volunteers and staff are our greatest advocates.
“We have always rescued those in trouble at sea, no matter who they are or why they need our help. We have been doing this since 1824. We do not judge those we rescue – knowing that someone is in trouble and needs to be rescued is enough.
“And every year, our lifeboat crews and lifeguards rescue around 30,000 people. Some of them will be in trouble because they ignored safety advice, disregarded tide times or took an inflatable out in an off-shore wind. Sometimes of course they can be very well prepared, but they are just unlucky or get caught out by the vagaries of the sea. When it comes to rescuing these people, we don’t question why they got into trouble, who they are or where they come from. All we need to know is that they need our help.
“The current situation in the Channel is no different. If someone is in trouble at sea, we are there to make sure they get the help they need. We are not a taxi service for illegal immigration, just as we are not a taxi service for the ill-informed or the ill-equipped. We are a lifesaving rescue service and I am proud to know that you all will rescue anyone in trouble at sea, as the RNLI has been doing for nearly 200 years, without judgement or preference.
“Our lifeboat crews and teams in Dover and neighbouring stations have been working hard – and under intense scrutiny from the media – to help those in need over the last few months – including people crossing the Channel in small boats. I’d like to thank you all for your dedication and commitment and also ask that we all support them in their lifesaving work. They are the epitome of our RNLI ethos – giving up their time to save others at sea.”