Another 656 migrants cross the Channel into the UK in just one day – the highest number so far this year
The English Channel saw its busiest day of migrant crossings this year, with over 650 people making the dangerous journey in small boats last Saturday. That’s the highest single-day number since last October, pushing this year’s total past 8,000 arrivals – a record for this time of year.
A local fisherman who’s witnessed countless crossings described a surprising new development. “The French navy has started escorting these boats partway across,” he said. “They’re guiding them safely through busy shipping lanes before handing them off to UK Border Force.” The fisherman, Matt Coker, believes this safer approach might actually be encouraging more people to attempt the crossing.
Authorities appear to be taking extra safety measures after past tragedies. French crews now provide lifejackets to migrants who don’t have them, though they later ask British officials to return the gear. “They’re trying to prevent drownings,” Coker explained, “but it’s creating this strange system where the journey’s becoming more organized.”
The crossings have noticeably increased in recent months, with smugglers now sending out multiple boats simultaneously whenever weather permits. “It’s gone back to how it was a few years ago,” Coker observed. “They’re launching constantly now, not just when conditions are perfect.”
This new pattern suggests a shift in strategy – rather than stopping the crossings completely, authorities seem focused on making them as safe as possible. But some worry this approach removes what little deterrence remained, potentially encouraging even more people to risk the journey. With smugglers using larger boats and operating more frequently, the Channel migration route shows no signs of slowing down despite political promises to tackle the issue.
