At least 973 migrants crossed the English Channel in small boats on Sunday, the highest daily total recorded this year, according to the latest figures released by the British Home Office on Sunday, AFP reported.
The total number of migrants who have landed on the UK’s shores this year is 26,612, most of whom came via France.
Four people, including a two-year-old child, died yesterday in two separate accidents as they made their way from the French coast, highlighting the growing risks of illegal migration.
The previous highest single-day record for arrivals occurred in June this year, with over 882 people.
A series of tragedies in 2024 has made it the deadliest year since 2018 for those attempting the perilous journey across the English Channel in inflatable boats. The rise in illegal crossings is a direct response to tighter restrictions around the Channel Tunnel and the port of Calais, AFP said.
British authorities indicate that the makeshift boats now transport an average of 52 passengers, up from just 13 in 2020.
From June 2023 to June 2024, 18% of the people arriving on these boats came from Afghanistan, a notable decline, followed by Iran (13%) and Vietnam (10%).