Around 80 migrants, including at least three children, have been rescued after a boat got into trouble while crossing the Channel.
Dover and Walmer lifeboats were launched to assist Border Force following reports that dozens of people were in the water about five miles off the Kent coast on Thursday morning.
Two Border Force vessels, two lifeboats, two French vessels and a Coastguard helicopter have been involved, with British authorities leading the rescue.
The operation is said to be progressing well, and there have been no reports of fatalities.
It is thought the boat reached UK waters after being shadowed by a French warship, then got into difficulty.
Some of those in the sea may have drifted back into French waters and anyone picked up by UK lifeboats will likely be brought back to Dover.
Lifeboats are continuing to search the area.
