A major search and rescue operation has been launched after a boat carrying people was found in distress in the middle of the English Channel.
A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson said HM Coastguard was working with the Navy, Border Force and Kent Police on a search and rescue involving a small boat off the coast of Kent. Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeboats have been dispatched from Dover, Dungeness, Hastings and Ramsgate alongside coastguard rescue teams from Deal, Dungeness and Folkestone.
Coastguard helicopters from Lydd and Lee on Solent and another from the French navy are also involved. While a fishing vessel in the area is also assisting with the rescue while an air ambulance has also been sent.
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It is not yet clear how many people are on the boat, however, the BBC is reporting that there are fears people have died. They are reporting that it is understood there have been deaths, but there has been no confirmation from the authorities yet.
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