SEVERAL DIK IN NEW CHANNEL TRAGEDY

AT LEAST THREE FATALITIES AFTER BOAT WITH UP TO 50 MIGRANTS ON BOARD CAPSIZES AT 3AM

- 

AT LEAST three people have died after a small boat carrying migrants capsized in the English Channel in the early hours. 

Sources confirmed that 43 people were rescued, including more than 30 who were pulled from the freezing waters.

But it was feared the death toll will continue to rise. The inflatable boat is believed to have been carrying almost 50 people. It capsized around five miles off Dungeness shortly after setting off from the coast of northern France. A distress call was received by British agencies at around 3am. The tragedy comes just hours after the Prime Minister vowed to pass new laws to tackle illegal immigration and the small boats crisis.

In the Commons yesterday Rishi Sunak unveiled a host of measures designed to curb the perilous crossings.

Border Force, a Royal Navy patrol vessel, French fishing boats, Kent police and two coastguard helicopters joined the search and rescue mission this morning.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said: “I am aware of a distressing incident in the Channel this morning and I am being kept constantly updated while agencies respond and urgently establish the full facts. My heartfelt thoughts are with all those involved.” North Thanet MP Sir Roger Gale added: “This is yet another absolute tragedy. These are human beings and include women and very small children so the potential for loss of life is colossal. There are likely a number of deaths and I’m afraid the chances of survival in the waters as they are is minimal.”