More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Almost £10,000 has been raised to help set up patrols along the coast to ensure migrants' human rights are not breached by the authorities.
Channel Rescue has organised the GoFundMe appeal which has collected more than £9,050 in donations in one day.
The voluntary group's aim is to patrol the coastline including Dover's ensuring migrants arriving in the UK have access to food, water and assistance, as well to monitor their treatment by officials.
They say: "We are a group of people appalled by the current situation unfolding in the English Channel.
"As desperate men, women and children cross the strait in search of safety and a better life they've become the scapegoats of politicians and the right wing media.
"This hysteria will no doubt make their difficult journey more dangerous. They need our help.
"We are raising money to set up human rights patrols on the coast and at sea, modelled on efforts in the Mediterranean.
"We aim to monitor human rights abuses by the British or French governments or any activity that endangers lives.
"For this we need to buy boats, radios and life jackets and to be able to offer food, water and assistance - when and where it is needed. We need money for legal costs and digital infrastructure.
"If you are also appalled by our government's response to this situation and want to do something about it, then please contribute to our efforts or get involved.
"No Human is Illegal – please donate now."
Since launching, the group has faced scrutiny with claims it is a 'scam' and that they are 'assisting lawbreakers'.
But a spokesman responded to the criticism by thanking people for their support.
@ChannelRescue tweeted: "Thanks everyone who has donated so far or contacted us with offers of help and resources.
"A couple of hours into our campaign and we are over the moon. We are currently being trolled by far-right activists. Haters gonna hate."
Channel Rescue is also appealing for volunteers who have skills to carry out the patrols and would particularly like people with seafaring, legal, linguistic or medical expertise.
They should email channel.rescue2020@gmail.com with the subject heading 'Helping out'.
Yesterday marked the 10th day in a row that migrants had arrived in Dover after being discovered in the Channel by Border Force - despite Home Secretary Priti Patel’s vow to make the route “unviable”.
During the heatwave, hundreds of migrants have crossed the dangerous waters of the Channel on small boats with numbers peaking on August 6 when 235 made it to the UK - a single-day record.
Today all Border Force vessels appear to be laid up in the Marina, suggesting there will be little activity from the small boats today.
Visiblity across the Channel also appears to be moderate to low.
