Migrant dies as more than 150 head for UK on eighth straight day, You Won’t Believe Where They Are Coming From
The English Channel has become the scene of another tragic migrant incident, with one person confirmed dead and another missing after a small boat crossing attempt on Saturday.
This marks the eighth consecutive day of migrant crossings, with around 1,900 people having made the journey since last weekend. The latest death brings the total number of migrant fatalities this year to six, highlighting the ongoing dangers of these illegal crossings.
French authorities reported that the deceased migrant, a 60-year-old man from Kuwait, was found on a beach near Marck in the Pas-de-Calais region. Despite rescue efforts, he could not be revived. The small boat that dropped his body on the beach reportedly continued its journey toward the UK. Meanwhile, another migrant is believed to have fallen overboard and remains missing.
The surge in crossings comes as calmer weather conditions make the journey slightly less perilous, though still extremely dangerous. On Saturday, the UK Border Force vessel *Volunteer* intercepted one migrant boat in UK waters, bringing 70 people to the processing center in Dover. Another vessel, *Typhoon*, was deployed to rescue migrants from two additional small boats.
The record number of crossings this year—nearly 4,000 so far—represents a 17% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Last year, more than 36,800 migrants arrived illegally by small boat, a 25% rise from the previous year. This escalating crisis poses a significant challenge for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who had pledged to “smash the gangs” behind people smuggling. Instead, his government is now grappling with unprecedented numbers of arrivals.
A senior maritime security source warned that, based on current trends, this year’s crossings could easily surpass last year’s record. The Home Office has reiterated its commitment to ending the dangerous crossings, emphasizing the ruthless nature of people-smuggling gangs that exploit vulnerable individuals. A spokesperson stated, “We will stop at nothing to dismantle their business models and bring them to justice.”
The tragedy underscores the urgent need for effective solutions to address the migrant crisis, which continues to claim lives and strain resources. As the UK and France work to combat people smuggling, the human cost of these perilous journeys remains a stark reminder of the desperation driving migrants to risk everything for a chance at a better life.
