Seven Arrested After Yacht Carrying Suspected Migrants Intercepted Off Isle of Wight

Seven people were arrested after a yacht carrying suspected illegal migrants was intercepted off the Isle of Wight in the English Channel. The boat, which had traveled from northern France, was escorted into Gosport Marina by a Border Force cutter on July 20 as part of a National Crime Agency (NCA)-led operation. The crew, two Ukrainian men aged 43 and 37, were arrested on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration, while five passengers—four Albanians and one Vietnamese national—were detained for immigration offences. This operation was conducted jointly with French judicial authorities and the Gendarmerie Nationale, with support from Border Force. Senior Investigating Officer Julian Harriman emphasized that tackling people smuggling gangs remains a priority for both France and the United Kingdom, and efforts continue to disrupt and dismantle these criminal networks. All seven individuals remain in custody and are being questioned by NCA investigators.