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Migrant Dinghy Arrival Sparks Protests in Gosport
By Drooid · · How we work
Migrant Dinghy Arrives Off Gosport, Prompting Demonstrations
Late on Sunday evening, two Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) boats brought a small dinghy carrying migrants to the marina at Haslar, Gosport, Hampshire. Ship-tracking data indicated the vessel had left near Utah Beach in Normandy on Sunday morning and was shadowed by French rescue vessels until it entered English waters. French media reported roughly 120 people were on board. Protesters gathered near the marina, with police deploying officers under the Public Order Act and imposing a ban on face coverings. The atmosphere remained largely peaceful, though earlier similar gatherings in the area had resulted in six arrests.
Recent Channel Crossing Context
The arrival marks the third small-boat crossing from western France in a month, a pattern described as “rare in recent years.” In September, a comparable dinghy carrying 51 migrants spent about 30 hours at sea before being transferred to Border Security Command boats and landing in Dover. At that time, hundreds of demonstrators assembled in anticipation of the migrants being taken to Gosport.
Official Responses
Conservative MP Caroline Dinenage (Gosport) stated there was “nothing to suggest” the boat would land in Hampshire but confirmed police were preparing for any change. A government spokesperson emphasized the role of the Border Security Command in monitoring the Channel.
Data & Statistics
- French media estimate: ~120 migrants on the dinghy.
- Provisional total Channel crossings in 2024: 19,451, down 43 % from the same period last year and 23 % below the figure at this stage in 2023.
- This is the third crossing from Normandy in a month.
Verbatim Quotes
“The Border Security Command works around the clock to monitor the Channel and protect our border. It is vital we continue to detain, check and process every small boat arrival.” — Government spokesperson