Crew from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) rescued at least 19 people off the coast of Dover.

Newly released footage captured on helmet cameras worn by the volunteer crew revealed the intense rescue operation, which took place in August 2023.

The video, made public on July 29, shows emergency responders pulling migrants from the English Channel after their small boat capsized. Several individuals were heard screaming for help as rescuers threw life-saving devices toward them.

All were safely rescued.

Reports said the lifeboat crew had been returning to Dover with 68 rescued individuals from an earlier incident when HM Coastguard redirected them to assist a sinking dinghy.

Upon arrival, they found multiple people struggling in the water, some disappearing beneath the surface.

Volunteer crew member Paula Lain described the harrowing moment: 'We were looking at people in the water, some of them disappearing under the water, and it was at that moment we all took stock. Our training kicked in, and we leapt to it. We were pulling people out as fast as we possibly could.'

She recounted saving a man who had no strength left. Paula added: 'I looked into his eyes, his face was grey, his eyes were wide, he was so scared. I just knew that if I let him go, he wouldn't be there.'

In 2024, the RNLI responded 114 times to Channel crossing emergencies, rescuing 1,371 people - accounting for a significant portion of those attempting the journey in small boats.

RNLI Head of Lifeboats Simon Ling praised the volunteers, saying they are 'normal people doing extraordinary things' in challenging situations.

He emphasised the crew's selfless commitment to saving lives and reiterated that the RNLI rescues anyone in trouble at sea, without judgment.

The RNLI saves lives at sea through its 24-hour search and rescue services around the UK and Ireland. With 238 lifeboat stations and over 240 lifeguard units across the UK and the Channel Islands, its volunteers are dedicated to maritime safety.