Four dead and 43 rescued as Royal Navy and Coastguard continue search and rescue mission in English Channel

Royal Navy vessels are understood to be continuing to assist in a search of the area in the English Channel where a small boat thought to be carrying migrants capsized earlier today – claiming the lives of four of those on board.

HMS Severn, HMS Blaze and HMS Trumpeter were this morning understood to be in the area off the Kent coast, according to maritime vessel trackers, while the Maritime and Coastguard Agency now reports that two military vessels from the UK remain involved in the search operation.

The Royal Navy was earlier reported to be working alongside fishing boats and teams from HM Coastguard, RNLI, Border Force, French navy and Kent Police air ambulance.

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Two lifeboats later arrived in Dover following the large search-and-rescue operation after confirmation that four people had died, while 43 people are reported to have been rescued, with some reportedly fighting for their lives.

The Ramsgate RNLI lifeboat, as well as a smaller RNLI rib, arrived at the Port of Dover at around 13:35, following the incident on Wednesday morning.

It appeared the crews aboard both lifeboats are changing over but this has not been confirmed.

The Dover lifeboat, which came to shore at around 11.15am, brought a body to shore but other vessels are still understood to be carrying out a search for more people in the Channel.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency reported that the incident was ongoing and that there was no further information at present.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak earlier expressed his "sorrow" at the "capsizing of a small boat" in the English Channel, telling MPs there had been a "tragic loss of human life".

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby posted to Twitter: "I'm praying for the victims of today's terrible events in the Channel.

"It's another reminder that debates about asylum seekers are not about statistics, but precious human lives. May God comfort those who mourn, those who survived and all those who work to save lives at sea."

As the tragedy unfolded, Dover MP Natalie Elphicke said: "I am very saddened to hear that lives are feared to have been lost following a small boat tragedy in the English Channel this morning.

"My thoughts and prayers are with all those involved."

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."

An HM Coastguard spokesperson said: "We have sent Dover, Dungeness, Hastings and Ramsgate RNLI lifeboats and Deal, Dungeness and Folkestone coastguard rescue teams, along with the coastguard area commander.

"HM Coastguard helicopters from Lydd and Lee on Solent and one from the French Navy are involved.

"A fishing vessel in the area is also assisting in the rescue. South East Coast Ambulance and Kent Police are working with us.

"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.

"If a vessel needs search and rescue assistance, HM Coastguard will continue to respond to all those in need," they added.

A UK Government spokesperson confirmed that around 03:00 today, authorities were alerted to an incident in the Channel concerning a migrant small boat in distress.

They added: "After a co-ordinated search and rescue operation led by HM Coastguard, it is with regret that there have been four confirmed deaths as a result of this incident, investigations are ongoing and we will provide further information in due course."