DOZENS of people were rescued at sea after attempting to cross the channel in boats.

A huge search and rescue operation was launched off the coast of Sussex.

The Home Office said a total of 57 migrants were intercepted by the border force, and 23 had landed ashore near Hastings.

HM Coastguard, RNLI crews, the police, a Coastguard helicopter and the Border Force vessel Hunter were all part of the operation.

The 23 who landed in Sussex were taken to Dover for screening and coronavirus tests, the Home Office said.

Officials said there were also three boats which attempted to cross on Wednesday.

It included a boat at 2am carrying 15 men and one woman, a boat at 6am carrying 12 men and two women, and a boat at 2.30pm carrying four people. They are understood to be from Iran.

Home Office crime and enforcement director Tony Eastaugh said: “We are working around the clock each day with the NCA and French law enforcement agencies to arrest and dismantle organised crime gangs in France.

“On a daily basis there are extra police patrols on French beaches, drones, specialist vehicles and detection equipment to stop small boats leaving European shores.”