Coastguard launches search and rescue over small boat incident in the Channel

HM Coastguard is coordinating a search and rescue over an incident involving a small boat off the coast of Kent (Andrew Milligan/PA).

A large search and rescue operation has been launched in the Channel following an incident involving a small boat off the coast of Kent on Wednesday morning.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said HM Coastguard was working with the RNLI, Royal Navy, Border Force, French navy and Kent Police to look for the boat, while an air ambulance has also been sent to the scene.