24 migrants on boat rescued off Hastings coast, says MOD
A boat with 24 migrants was spotted off the coast of Hastings this morning (Wednesday, August 17).
The coastguard, RNLI crews and Border Force were sent out to intercept the vessel at around 11.25am.
A spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: "HM Coastguard has been coordinating a search and rescue response to an incident involving a small boat off Sussex, working with the Navy, Border Force and Sussex Police. Those on board have been rescued by a Border Force vessel.
"We sent the HM Coastguard helicopter based at Lydd and an RNLI lifeboat from Hastings.
"HM Coastguard will continue to safeguard life around the seas and coastal areas of the UK, working with search and rescue resources in the area.”
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence said no injuries were reported and all individuals were accounted for.
The spokesperson said: “All 24 migrants were brought into the controlled immigration pathway for small boat arrivals.”