The former RNLI crew member who contacted me earlier has now provided proof of their service and added more detail about how migrant call-outs work on the south coast.
They say crews are paged first, arrive at the station, and only then are told the full details of the job by the Coastguard. For migrant incidents along the Kent and Sussex coast, they say RNLI crews are regularly sent towards the UK-France maritime boundary to collect boats.
They remain in contact with current RNLI crew and say Border Force can struggle when multiple migrant boats arrive at the same time.
They also raised a serious question about how dependent the current system has become on RNLI volunteers when Border Force capacity is stretched.
Credit to them for coming forward and providing evidence of their background.
If you currently serve, previously served, or work alongside RNLI or Border Force crews and have similar first-hand information, message me privately.
@SaiKate108 The government can fuck right off!! If they want a war with Russia then can go themselves and take there siblings with them to the front line ..