Migrant crossings: More than 900 cross Channel in two dayson December 18, 2021 at 5:28 pm

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

Nearly 28,000 people have now crossed from France to England in small boats this year.

RNLI helping migrants on the English coast

Image source, Getty Images

More than 900 people have crossed the Channel in small boats over two days, the Home Office has confirmed.

On Thursday 559 people were picked up off the Kent coast after making the crossing in 19 boats, and on Friday 358 people crossed in 10 boats.

Over the two days the French authorities stopped 564 people from setting off.

More than 27,700 people have made the crossing in small boats so far this year, compared to 8,400 in 2020.

Last month 27 people including 17 men, seven women – one of whom was pregnant – and three children, drowned when their boat sank near Calais.

Dan O’Mahoney, Clandestine Channel Threat Commander, said: “Last month’s tragedy is a devastating reminder of the dangers of Channel crossings and we are determined to work with our European and international partners to target the ruthless organised criminal gangs behind them.

“Unbelievably, these gangs continue their deadly trade with more crossings taking place today, shamelessly putting lives at risk.”

Presentational grey line

Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on Twitter, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk.

Related Internet Links

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
- Advertisement -

Discover

Sponsor

Latest

FA Cup replay – Leeds 1-0 Cardiff: Wilfried Gnonto scores ‘sublime’ volley inside 30 secondson January 18, 2023 at 9:55 pm

Watch every angle we could find of Wilfried Gnonto's fabulous volley against Cardiff which gave a rampant Leeds United the lead after just 26...

Amazon announces 1,500 new apprenticeships for 2022on February 2, 2022 at 12:03 am

The expansion of the retailer’s programme includes over 200 degree-level apprenticeships.

Johannesburg fire: Hijacks and death traps in a crumbling South African city centreon September 2, 2023 at 11:33 pm

Criminal gangs 'hijack' buildings in South Africa, and then they burn down. And no-one seems able to stop them.Criminal gangs 'hijack' buildings in South...

Mesothelioma Causes – Is Your Lifestyle a Factor?

Mesothelioma causes in regards to your lifestyle. For instance, if you smoke or if you have a family history of mesothelioma will play a...

‘We never knew our home was on the scammers’ list’on August 11, 2022 at 5:11 am

Thousands of UK home addresses have been used by crime gangs to register bogus firms, the BBC finds.Thousands of households have had their addresses...