An air and sea search and rescue mission was launched after 17 people got into difficulty in the Channel.

Lifeboats from Dover, Ramsgate and Dungeness, alongside HM Coastguard and the rescue helicopter, were tasked with helping save the group after they reportedly fell from a small boat.

A spokesman for HM Coastguard said: “We have been coordinating a search and rescue response to an incident involving small boats off Kent, working with Border Force, Kent Police and other partners.

“We sent Dungeness, Ramsgate, Dover and Littlestone lifeboats, as well as the search and rescue helicopter from Lydd.

“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.”

An eyewitness said there appeared to be more than 40 people brought to shore by the lifeboats responding to two dinghies which had found themselves in difficulty.

They included women and children, with one woman carrying a small child in her arms.

People in lifejackets and blankets have been seen arriving at Dover aboard a Ramsgate RNLI lifeboat.

These arrivals mean 100,000 asylum seekers have arrived in the UK in small boats since records began in 2018.

This milestone was reached after 755 people crossed the Channel in 14 boats on Thursday. This is the highest daily number so far this year.

All those brought to shore by the RNLI this morning were taken for routine health and safety checks.

A spokesperson for the RNLI added: “This morning (August 10) all-weather RNLI lifeboats from Dover, Ramsgate and Dungeness, along with Littlestone RNLI’s inshore lifeboat, were tasked to an incident in the Channel by HM Coastguard.

“On arrival at the scene, some casualties were found to be in the water.

“All casualties are believed to be accounted for and were brought to safety by the RNLI’s volunteer crews.”