Migrant rescue: Hastings lifeboat crew ‘blocked’ by fishermen

RNLI lifeboat volunteers were allegedly confronted by fishermen on Hastings beach, who told them “we’re full up”.

It is claimed that the group stopped volunteers from going to the aid of a migrant boat, saying "that's why we stopped our donations".

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The police were called in relation to the incident, however no arrests were made.

A woman identified only as Zoe, from Hastings, called into LBC to reveal what had happened.

She said: “It was really upsetting, and you could hear the hatred in their voice."

Zoe said the group of fishermen were gutting fish on the shore when the abuse started.

"The lifeboat crew pulled the boat out and were going to go into the water and some of the fishermen deliberately came out with their buckets and stood directly in the line of the boat so the boat couldn't be put in the water,” she added.

Host James O’Brien asked if she was "sure" about what she had seen.

"I'm absolutely sure, the police were called," Zoe replied. "It really shook me to the core, and we thought of it yesterday night when we saw the news that people had passed away again."

Migrants arriving on Hastings beach earlier this month

A Hastings RNLI spokesman said the incident, at about 4pm on Saturday, November 20, was reported to the police and the lifeboat was eventually able to launch.

In a statement, Sussex Police said they were made aware of reports of a disturbance near to the Hastings RNLI Lifeboat Station.

"A police officer attended the scene while also being supported by colleagues monitoring the situation on CCTV.

"No arrests were made."

Migrants arriving on Hastings beach earlier this month

An estimated 25,600 migrants have reached the UK by boat across the English Channel so far in 2021.

Last year’s total was 8,417, according to the Home Office.

On November 11, a total of 1,185 migrants crossed the Channel – a new record for a single day.

RNLI lifeboats were launched to help rescue dozens of people, believed to be migrants, who arrived on Hastings beach earlier this month.

Despite the efforts of lifeboat crews, Border Force and French authorities, three people are feared lost at sea after two kayaks were found adrift off the coast of Calais.

In Parliament last week, Crawley MP Henry Smith branded the migrant crossings as “horrific”.

Speaking in the House of Commons, the Conservative MP said: “English Channel migrant crossings are not only illegal and inhumane, but a security risk to our country.

“The Nationality and Borders Bill will help to prevent the horrific trade in people trafficking. However, it’s clear that there’s no time to waste and this is an issue which requires action now.”