A single large dinghy carried a record 165 migrants across the English Channel to the United Kingdom, according to Home Office figures. The vessel, measuring approximately 13 meters (42 feet) in length, is reportedly the size of a standard bus.
This incident follows a period of calm seas that saw 366 people arrive on three boats on Thursday. On Wednesday, 172 individuals made the journey, ending an 11-day pause in crossings due to strong winds.
So far this year, 13,007 arrivals have been recorded. This figure represents a 45% decrease compared to the same period last year and an 18% drop compared to 2024. Many migrants originate from impoverished, politically unstable, or oppressive regions worldwide and typically seek asylum upon reaching the UK.
The UK Home Office stated that a new agreement with France, implemented in April, is designed to enhance enforcement on beaches and prevent such dangerous sea voyages. Since the agreement, over 45,000 attempted crossings have reportedly been stopped.