Major rescue operation launched after migrant boat runs aground on Kent beach

File photo: An orange life jacket that was used by an asylum seeker floating in the sea on the 8th of October 2021 in Folkestone, United Kingdom. (photo by Andrew Aitchison / In pictures via Getty Images)

A major rescue operation is underway after a small boat believed to be carrying around 50 refugees ran aground on a sandbank in the English Channel off the Kent coast.

Coastguard helicopter rescue teams and RNLI lifeboats are involved in the rescue mission which is unfolding in Goodwin Sands off the Deal coast.

The rescuers are facing a race against time as the tide is turning and the sandbank will soon be underwater again.

The 10-mile stretch of sandbank is a notorious hazard location which has seen the loss of many lives over the years.

HM Coastguard confirmed it was alerted to the situation at around 7.45am on Saturday and lifeboats were tasked to the rescue mission.

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said: “HM Coastguard is currently assisting Kent Police with a small boats vessel that ran aground on the Goodwin Sands.

“Alerted at around 7:45am today, Walmer and Ramsgate lifeboats were tasked.

“HM Coastguard will continue to work with partners to respond to those in distress around the seas and coastal areas of the UK.”

The stranded boat is believed to be one of four small migrant boats which crossed UK waters this morning.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated