A record 165 migrants crossed the English Channel in a single boat on Thursday, breaking the previous record of 128 set in July. The vessel, described as a "mega dinghy" by media, was estimated to be around 13 metres (42 feet) long, roughly the length of a standard bus. Border Security Command towed the boat into Dover, according to Press Association images.
Charity Warns of Increasing Danger
Refugee charity Care4Calais said the crossing route is becoming "more and more dangerous" due to the rising number of people per boat. Sydney Sopher, chief operations officer, stated: "The UK and French governments have spent years focusing on border security and enforcement, yet all they've achieved is to make Channel crossings more and more dangerous." She added: "Just days ago a body was found on the beach in Berck, the latest victim of the hostile environment against refugees carried out by both nations. These are preventable tragedies."
Sopher emphasised that the average number of people per boat has increased year on year, but "it could all be stopped overnight by opening safe routes." She criticised the government for ignoring evidence that safe routes work, calling it "a political choice that prioritises the demonisation of refugees over compassion."
Home Office Response
Home Office figures show 366 people arrived after crossing in three boats on Thursday during warm, sunny weather and calm sea conditions. A Home Office spokesperson said: "Smuggling gangs are taking greater risks than ever with the number of people they are cramming into unseaworthy boats rising year on year." They added: "This crossing serves as a stark reminder that criminal gangs have no regard for the safety of those they claim to help – the reality is clear and lives are being lost in the Channel as a result."
The spokesperson highlighted a new deal with France to prevent these journeys by boosting enforcement on beaches, building on over 45,000 attempted crossings stopped since the election.
Coastguard Response and Statistics
The UK Coastguard deployed Border Force vessels, a Coastguard aeroplane, and the RNLI Dungeness lifeboat to respond to the small boat activity on Thursday morning. On Wednesday, 172 people made the journey in three boats, ending an 11-day hiatus due to windy conditions. These were the first crossings since Andy Burnham became Prime Minister.
Press Association analysis of government data shows 77,183 migrants arrived in the UK via Channel crossings during Sir Keir Starmer's premiership, after Labour's election victory in July 2024. According to Home Office figures, 13,007 arrivals have been recorded this year, which is 45% lower than the same period last year and down 18% on 2024.
