A "record-breaking mega-dinghy" carrying over 260 migrants, including children, nearly capsized in the English Channel before reaching Britain with 230 passengers. The vessel, designed for a maximum of 40 people, was battered by choppy waters, causing at least 30 individuals to be thrown into the sea. French rescue services reported that these individuals were later rescued by French police and gendarmes.
Lifeboat crews described the scene on a beach between Berck-sur-Mer and Merlimont in northern France, where migrants had gathered in sand dunes before boarding the approximately 15-meter (49ft) inflatable boat. According to a spokesman for the SNSM, France's voluntary sea rescue organization, the overloaded dinghy was buckling under the swell as it headed towards the UK. The craft was carrying 232 migrants initially, but two disembarked and were taken to Calais.
Officials noted that smuggling gangs are increasingly using larger boats, with no apparent limit to the number of people they will cram aboard. Jean-Marc Lamblin, director of the SNSM's Berck-sur-Mer branch, stated that 15-meter boats have become more common over the past three months. "We didn't think there could be any more, but there really is no limit now," he said.
The journey reportedly generated significant profits for people smugglers, with an estimated charge of £2,000 per person, potentially yielding around £450,000 for this single crossing. The situation has drawn criticism from political figures. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp described the attempts to address the Channel crisis as a "complete laughing stock" and a "complete and utter farce," criticizing French authorities for not intercepting the large vessel. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called for small-boat crossings to be declared a "national security emergency."
Official figures indicate that 15,242 migrants have arrived in small boats this year. The previous record for a single vessel was 165 migrants on July 23. A separate incident last week involved a dinghy with 173 people that caught fire, leading to the rescue of its occupants. The Home Office stated that progress is being made, with small-boat crossings down this year compared to the same period in 2020, and has signed a deal with France to increase patrols on French beaches.
French authorities intervened to rescue individuals who became cut off by the tide during the mass boarding, stating that their coordinated efforts helped avert a tragedy. The SNSM confirmed their mission is to assist anyone in distress at sea, regardless of their background, adhering to a policy of not attempting to stop boats at sea to avoid endangering lives. The mega-dinghy was eventually escorted to England by UK Border Force, HM Coastguard, and the RNLI.