AN EMPTY migrant boat was recovered from the sea.

The large vessel was found and recovered by Shoreham RNLI on Sunday, with the assistance of the Shoreham Coastguard.

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesman said lifeboats from Shoreham and Selsey were sent to assist with the incident shortly before midday on Sunday, December 19.

Photographs taken at the scene on Shoreham beach show a large, black vessel on the shore.

Several workers can also be seen transporting items from the boat.

The incident comes less than a month after a group of fishermen reportedly blocked a Sussex lifeboat from going to the aid of migrants - telling them "don't bring any more of those home".

RNLI lifeboat volunteers were reportedly confronted by fishermen on Hastings beach, who told them “we’re full up” and "don't bring any more of those home".

It is claimed the group also stopped volunteers from helping a migrant boat, saying "that's why we stopped our donations".

The police were called but no arrests were made.

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.