Channel Rescue is a grassroots, human rights monitoring organisation set up  in response to government calls for increased securitisation and militarisation of the English Channel.

Our objective is to hold authorities to account in their duty to uphold the human rights of those crossing the channel, and advocate for safe passage and progressive legislation around refugees and migrants making journeys across. We aim to fact find, document landings, act as legal observers, and provide immediate support to those making the crossing and recently arrived people.

The hostile narrative being created by the government and the media has sought to demonize vulnerable people crossing the Channel. We will work with other organisations to raise awareness of unlawful removals from the UK and any malpractice, violence or abuse which is observed. If you would like to contribute to our work, or you have skills that may aid us to scale up and run a permanently staffed service, then please do not hesitate to contact us.

What we do

Shore spotting patrols along the Kent coast: The patrols document any search and rescue operations, border force interceptions or any harassment from vessels run by the far-right.

Training: All our volunteers have undergone an intense one day session (held remotely online) in the basics of spotting small vessels at sea and what to do if they notice a vessel in distress. Trained by those who have worked in crisis situations before.

Witnessing: Video document all our operations at sea to protect migrants, as much as ourselves.