Small boat runs aground on Kent beach sparking rescue operation just days after 5 died in crossing

A rescue operation was launched after a small boat carrying people seeking asylum in the UK ran aground on the Goodwin Sands, just six miles off the Deal coast. Kent Police was supported by HM coastguard in the rescue mission.

HM coastguard said it was alerted to the situation today (April 27) at around 7.45am. It has now confirmed that everyone was rescued "safely".

A spokesperson for HM coastguard said: "HM Coastguard has been coordinating the response to an incident involving a small boats vessel on the Goodwin Sands on April 27. Alerted at around 7:45am today, Walmer and Ramsgate lifeboats and HM Coastguard helicopter from Lydd were tasked.

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"Everyone was rescued safely and disembarked to the relevant partner emergency services or authorities."

This comes days after five people died, including a child, while crossing the Channel in a small boat from France to England. As of April 21, 6,265 people had crossed the English Channel in small boats since the start of 2024.

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