Five men have been arrested after a yacht carrying seven suspected illegal migrants was intercepted off the south coast of England. Officers from Border Security Command Maritime and the National Crime Agency (NCA) met the vessel as it arrived at Chichester Marina in West Sussex.

Two crew members — a 42-year-old British man and a 25-year-old Albanian national — were arrested on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration into the UK. Investigators also identified three other men they believed were waiting to meet the yacht when it arrived. The trio, a 38-year-old British national and two Albanian men aged 24 and 32, were arrested on suspicion of people-smuggling offences. All five were questioned by NCA investigators following their arrests.

Three have since been released on bail pending further enquiries, while the two Albanian nationals aged 25 and 32 remain in detention for immigration offences.

The seven people found on board the yacht, all Albanian nationals, on the evening of May 25, will now be dealt with by immigration authorities.

NCA Branch Commander Saju Sasikumar said organised immigration crime remained a major focus for investigators.

He said: “Tackling organised immigration crime remains a top priority for the NCA.

“Working with our partners in Border Security Command Maritime, we are determined to do all we can to target, disrupt and dismantle the gangs involved in people smuggling.

“Our investigation into this incident continues.”

The NCA said it currently has more than 100 live investigations into individuals and networks suspected of involvement in organised immigration crime.

Border Security and Asylum Minister Alex Norris said the Government would continue to pursue those involved in people smuggling operations.

He said: “Make no mistake – we will use all powers at our disposal to take action against those seeking to smuggle people into the UK.

“Thanks to the joint work from Home Office teams and the NCA, this yacht was swiftly intercepted and those involved were arrested.

“Smuggling gangs should be under no illusion that no matter the method they use, we will root them out and ensure they face the full force of the law.”

The arrests come as authorities continue efforts to disrupt criminal gangs using a variety of methods to bring migrants into the UK, including small boats, lorries and private vessels.