Border Force: Home Office confirm two men rescued off the Essex coast are Somali nationals

Following the rescue of two Somali men off the Essex coast in Harwich, a Home Office spokesperson has delivered a statement on the incident.

Border Force and HM Coastguard assisted in the rescue of the two men, who are now being processed.

'This afternoon an extensive search and rescue operation for a man reported to have entered the water off the Essex coast concluded.'

'We want to thank those who responded to this incident and who continue to work tirelessly to protect lives at sea whilst securing our border.'

'While the investigation into this incident continues, it is a reminder of the extreme dangers of crossing the Channel in small boats and the callous disregard for life shown by the criminal gangs.'

'We are determined to do everything we can to prevent people dying in the Channel. The Government’s New Plan for Immigration, and ongoing work with the French Government, will help us crack down on organised criminals and reform the asylum system to deter people from attempting these deadly crossings.'

According to the Home Office, an extensive joint search and rescue operation for an additional man reported to have entered the sea in international waters was carried out, led by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, supported by Border Force and the RNLI.

However, the Home Office say that no one was found, and the search was concluded at around 2pm today.

The UK authorities have today had to rescue or intercept 145 people. Meanwhile, French authorities have so far prevented 137 people from reaching the UK