Migrants brought ashore in Gosport after Channel crossing involving Isle of Wight lifeboats

A total of 149 migrants were brought ashore in Gosport after a Channel crossing by a small boat that involved two RNLI lifeboats. The group arrived at Haslar Marina late Sunday, October 4, after RNLI crews met the dinghy in British waters. The Home Office said 149 people were believed to have been aboard. Two RNLI lifeboats were seen bringing people into Gosport, with Bembridge among the Isle of Wight stations that launched on Sunday evening; RNLI records show Bembridge launched at 5:10 pm on October 4. The migrants were expected to be transported to short-term holding facilities in Kent for health, security and biometric checks, amid a major policing response. Later, police confirmed 12 arrests linked to disorder. Officers used powers including those under Section 14 of the Public Order Act 1986.