Around 80 migrants rescued from English Channel after boat gets into difficulty

A major rescue operation was launched this morning in the Channel after it was reported that a migrant boat was in trouble.

Around 80 migrants have been rescued after the boat got into difficulty, according to the Press Association.

Some of the group are thought to have been pulled from the water.

Coastguard and lifeboat crews were called to help Border Force during the incident off the Kent coast on Thursday morning.

No deaths have been reported at this stage, the PA news agency understands, and it is so far unclear whether anyone will need to be taken to hospital.

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