Woman dies after small boat rescue operation in English Channel

A woman has died after "small boat activity" sparked a rescue operation in the English Channel.

In a statement, Kent Police said it was "made aware by the Coastguard of an incident in the channel involving a small boat just after 1pm".

"One woman was airlifted back to shore where she was pronounced deceased," police said. "Officers are conducing enquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident."

A government spokesperson said Border Force "responded to reports of a migrant boat in distress in the Channel at 1245 this afternoon".

"One passenger was found unresponsive and was given CPR," they said. "Sadly, we can now confirm that this individual has died."

They said the government was "shocked and saddened by this tragic incident".

"Our immediate thoughts are with all of those who have been affected," the spokesman said, before adding: "This latest tragedy underlines the terrible dangers of small boat crossings, and we continue to do everything we can to prevent callous criminals exploiting vulnerable people."

Earlier, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said it sent UK Border Force vessels, RNLI [Royal National Lifeboat Institution] lifeboats, and HM Coastguard aircraft, in response to small boat activity reported in the Channel on Tuesday.

A coastguard emergency helicopter was spotted flying above the Port of Dover.

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The RNLI confirmed it responded to "incidents in the Channel".

Two of its vessels were seen on a marine tracker heading to the rescue site, around 10 minutes from the coast.

Two coastguard vans and ambulances were also pictured waiting to receive people from the boats at the Port of Dover.

A group of people, thought to be migrants, have since been pictured being brought in to the Border Force compound in Dover, Kent, from one of its vessels.

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