Over 870 migrants cross English Channel in 15 boats in one day

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
3 Sep 2023 21:32

The English Channel has witnessed a record-breaking influx of migrants, with over 800 individuals embarking on the perilous journey in just 15 boats.

A group of migrants in a dinghy approach southern England after crossing the Channel from France on September 1, 2020. (AFP)

A historic number of migrants, exceeding 800 in total, undertook the risky voyage across the English Channel using only 15 boats. This constitutes the highest daily figure recorded for the year 2023, as per provisional government data. In total, 872 migrants completed the journey, with an average of approximately 58 individuals per boat.

The overall count for the year has now reached 20,973 migrants. The previous peak for 2023 occurred on August 10 when 756 individuals successfully made the crossing.

In August, there was a record monthly average of 5,369 individuals arriving in the UK via 102 boats, equating to an average of approximately 53 migrants per vessel. This figure represents the highest monthly average since records began in 2018, as per an analysis of provisional government data. The second-highest monthly average, around 52 migrants per boat, was observed in July, with a total of 3,299 arrivals in 63 boats. June recorded the third-highest average of 49, with 3,823 individuals arriving on 78 boats.

While the total number of asylum seekers and migrants reaching the UK via small boats in 2023 is approximately 20% lower than the same period last year, it's worth noting that this year's weather conditions, characterized by frequent thunderstorms and rainy weather, have limited the number of days suitable for making the crossing.

The highest recorded number of arrivals in a single day remains at 1,295 on August 22, 2022. In total, there were 45,755 arrivals in the UK last year.

Saturday's arrivals contribute to a total of 1,172 individuals who have made the journey this week, with crossings recorded on just two out of six days. Tragically, earlier this month, six people lost their lives when a boat carrying migrants capsized in the middle of the Channel.