120 Migrants Reach Gosport by RNLI Boat from Normandy

Two RNLI lifeboats brought around 120 people to Haslar Marina in Gosport just after 10pm on Sunday, October 4, ending a crossing that had started near Utah Beach in Normandy that morning. The Home Office put the number believed on board the original dinghy at 149. A French vessel accompanied the dinghy until it crossed into British waters, at which point the RNLI took over.

Hampshire police issued a Section 34 dispersal order covering the whole town, in force until 7am Tuesday. Around 100 people gathered near Haslar Marina, chanting as officers blocked access to the dock. The order prohibited face coverings at protests. Police designated a section of Walpole car park for protesters to use.

Migrants were placed on coaches and taken to Kent, where they underwent health, security, and biometric checks. A convoy of coaches and police cars left Gosport around midnight.

The Normandy route has drawn increasing attention. In September, Abeille Liberté escorted 60+ migrants from Normandy across the Channel before RNLI crews intercepted them. The night after, six people were arrested in Gosport while a Channel crossing was redirected to Dover. Sunday's arrival was the first to actually reach Gosport.