AN URGENT rescue was launched this morning after a boat carrying around 80 migrants capsized while crossing the English Channel.
Coastguard and lifeboat crews urgently rushed to the scene to help Border Force off the Kent Coast.
Around 80 migrants have been rescued from the water after their boat capsized this morning while crossing the Channel
Three of the reportedly 84 who went into the water are understood to be children – including a six-month-old baby.
The migrants are now thought to have all been saved but lifeboats are continuing to scour the area, the BBC reported.
British and French vessels earlier raced to the scene, about halfway across the Channel between Calais and Dover.
The boat reportedly capsized after its engine failed midway through the crossing.
The migrants went into the water about five miles off the Kent coast.
The RNLI all-weather lifeboat from Dover and the Walmer inshore lifeboat were dispatched.
The Border Force vessels Defender and Ranger, along with support ship Taku are on scene.
A Home Office spokesperson confirmed there had been no deaths or injuries.
A HM Coastguard spokesperson said it was coordinating the response with helicopters from Lydd and Lee-on-Solent attending.
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