DRAMATIC footage of migrants being rescued by the RNLI in the English Channel has been released by the charity for the first time.
The two clips – one from earlier this month, and the other from November 2019 – each show several people cramped onto a small inflatable before being pulled to safety by lifeboat volunteers.
Both videos involve the rescue of several migrants, whose nationality is not known, including a baby.
Rescue teams called into the Channel from Kent and Sussex said they are faced with desperate situations, including "terrified" and suffering children.
Mark Dowie, RNLI chief executive, said: “The humanitarian side of this has not really been told properly.
“We wanted to tell this now, our crews are becoming busier and busier with this work.
“It’s important that what they see and what they do is properly appreciated.”
The RNLI’s work rescuing people crossing the channel began five years ago
This has increased over the past two years across nine sites stretching between Margate in Kent and Eastbourne in East Sussex.
The RNLI added: "We're proud of the lifesaving work our volunteers do in the English Channel – and we make no apology for it.
"Those we rescue are vulnerable people in danger and distress.
"Each of them is someone’s father, mother, son or daughter - every life is precious. This is why we launch."
In the video of the November 2019 incident, the majority of those on board are not wearing life jackets, and appear to be dressed only in jeans, trainers and coats.
Some of those rescued appear distressed and barely able to stand, with several wearing sopping wet clothes as they clamber on board the RNLI rescue vessel.
Once pulled to safety, the lifeboat volunteers can be heard trying to reassure the migrants while treating them for sickness and exhaustion.
In the more recent clip, those rescued can be seen prone on the deck of the lifeboat clutching bottles of water and slumped motionless wrapped in towels.
The video titled "why the RNLI rescues migrants" features voices from crew members.
They can be heard saying: "The English Channel is a very dangerous stretch of water
"I've been in some terrifying situations there on a lifeboat and one my own boat
"I couldn't' really empathise enough how dangerous it is. It's the busiest shipping lane in the world.
"We're there to help people in distress and I think when you have witnessed that distress first-hand it makes you realise that you are doing the right thing."
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