ACTIVISTS dismayed by the government's failing of migrants crossing the Channel are raising funds to buy a ship and launch human rights patrols off the coast.

The group, Channel Rescue, has set up a GoFundMe page and is aiming to raise £10,000 to buy a vessel, radios, life jackets, food and water, as well as for legal and digital infrastructure costs.

“We are a group of people appalled by the current situation unfolding in the English channel,” Channel Rescue said.

“As desperate men, women and children cross the strait in search of safety and a better life they've become the scapegoats of politicians and the right- wing media. This hysteria will no doubt make their difficult journey more dangerous.

“We are raising money to set up human-rights patrols on the coast and at sea, modelled on efforts in the Mediterranean.

“We aim to monitor human-rights abuses by the British or French governments or any activity that endangers lives.

“If you are also appalled by our government's response to this situation and want to do something about it, then please contribute to our efforts or get involved."

The past week has seen a record number of people attempting to cross the Channel, one of the world's busiest and most dangerous waterways.

The Joint Council for the Welfare for Immigrants (JCWI) called on its supporters to write to their MPs to demand the government takes a humanitarian approach.

"No-one should have to risk their life to seek sanctuary," JCWI said.

"But people are forced into dangerous journeys because the UK government does not provide safe and legal routes of entry for people seeking protection."

Channel Rescue's fundraiser can be found here: mstar.link/ChannelRescue.