Key facts
- People smuggling gangs are using larger "mega-dinghies" due to a shortage of small boats.
- Increased police patrols on the French coast are intercepting more small boats.
- The price for crossing the Channel has increased to up to €2,000 per person.
- Migrants are now required to pay in cash for the journey.
- BBC crew members were attacked by people smugglers in northern France.
People smuggling gangs operating in northern France are reportedly adapting their tactics by using larger "mega-dinghies" due to a scarcity of smaller boats. This shift comes as increased police presence on the French coast leads to a higher interception rate of small vessels, forcing smugglers to use fewer, larger boats and charge higher prices.
The BBC investigation found that gangs are quoting up to €2,000 (£1,700) per person for the journey, a significant increase from the previous year. Migrants are now required to pay in cash to ensure commitment. French police argue they are sometimes prevented from intervening due to fears of people drowning, a stance that frustures British authorities.
During an observation on Gravelines beach, a small boat, having departed from Belgium to avoid detection, made multiple collections of migrants. One such boat carried 82 people before heading into the shipping lane. While many successfully reach the UK, the process leaves behind scenes of exhaustion and dejection. Charity workers note that gangs now often launch boats during the day to coordinate better with "taxi boats" that bring migrants to the departure points.
Migrants are reportedly sleeping closer to the beach in dunes or woods to avoid larger camps and be nearer to potential departure points. The BBC crew encountered direct confrontation with people smugglers in a camp near Dunkirk, resulting in an attack where a cameraman was injured by a thrown stone. Despite these challenges, UK officials have praised French police for reducing crossing numbers to a six-year low, citing improved bilateral coordination.