Smuggling gangs are adapting to a scarcity of small boats by pooling resources and employing larger vessels to transport migrants, according to a BBC investigation. This shift comes as the number of small boat crossings has reached a six-year low.
Investigators found that the reduced availability of small boats has compelled rival smuggling operations to work together. To meet demand, these groups are now loading more migrants onto larger boats, including the "mega-dinghies" that began appearing last month. Gangs involved in these operations claim that more of these larger vessels are in preparation.
The BBC investigation observed that the shortage of small boats is a direct factor influencing the change in smuggling tactics. The gangs are reportedly responding to the limitations imposed by the decreased supply of traditional small craft by innovating with larger boat designs and collaborative efforts.