RNLI statement on Channel incident

Just after 11am this morning (22 September) two RNLI Lifeboats were tasked by HM Coastguard to a small boat crossing, which had been underway for 36 hours. The tasking request was made as Border Force vessels were not available to assist at the time. A short time after the RNLI were tasked a Border Security Command Cutter was subsequently launched.

Following learnings from the public Cranston Inquiry where over 30 people lost their lives trying to cross the English Channel HM Coastguard requested the RNLI standby and support in case of a catastrophic failure of the dinghy and people ending up in the water.

Crossing the English Channel in small boats is inherently dangerous, even in the calmest of seas. It is one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, yet the inflatable boats used to undertake these perilous crossings are overcrowded and unseaworthy, with those aboard exposed to the elements for many hours.

Before Border Force arrived on scene HM Coastguard directed the RNLI remove the people from their dinghy out of concern for their safety and their deteriorating health. At this point they had been at sea for over 36 hours.

The RNLI was also asked to facilitate transfer to the Border Force vessel.

The casualties were safely transferred to the Border Force cutter shortly afterwards and the crew were released from their tasking allowing them to return home.

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. We are a voluntary lifesaving rescue service, and when tasked by HM Coastguard we will rescue anyone in trouble at sea, as we have been doing for more than 200 years, without judgement or preference.

It is not for us to question whether people have the right to be in the UK - that is a question for Government. Our core purpose as a charity has always been to save lives at sea and this remains our focus.