Key facts
- A record 230 people crossed the English Channel in a single small boat.
- The previous record for a single vessel was 165 migrants.
- A total of 258 migrants crossed on four boats on Saturday.
- This year's crossings are down 43% compared to the same period last year.
- The UK has a payment-by-results deal with France to increase beach patrols.
A new record was set for the number of people crossing the English Channel in a single small boat, with 230 individuals making the journey. The vessel arrived in the UK on Saturday, contributing to a total of 258 migrants crossing on four boats that day. This latest incident surpasses the previous record of 165 people set in July.
A Home Office spokesperson condemned the "reckless and dangerous tactics" used by criminal gangs, highlighting the risks involved in cramming large numbers of people onto unseaworthy vessels. Despite this record crossing, provisional figures indicate that the total number of small boat crossings to the UK this year stands at 14,819, which is 43% lower than at the same point last year and down 16% compared to 2024.
The spokesperson added that progress is being made, with crossings down and the lowest number recorded for July since 2020. To further reduce crossings, the UK has entered into a payment-by-results agreement with France, aiming to increase the number of patrols on French beaches by 40%.