A total 19 migrants on a small boat had to be rescued at sea because of bad weather.

French authorities were alerted at 2.15am (1.15pm British time) today when the group called for help.

They were found just over five miles north of Calais.

The news was reported on the website of the Channel and North Sea. maritime authority (Préfecture Maritime de la Manche et de la Mer du Nord).

The coastal regional monitoring and rescue centre at Cap Griz Nez, between Calais and Boulogne, then despatched rescued vessels to help.

Some of the 19 people, including one were were found to be suffering from hypothermia.

They were brought to Calais at about 7am local time and were dealt with by French border police.

With this incident Kent Online has recorded a gross figure of 76 migrant incidents involving 815 people since November 8.

This would involved all cases, covering those rescued and brought to either side of the Channel and people who landed on Kent shores by themselves.

Kent incidents have been at Dover, Kingsdown, Folkestone and Romney Marsh.