Border Force detains more than 200 migrants trying to cross the Channel in NINE incidents

Border Force agents detained more than 200 migrants attempting to cross the Channel today in nine separate incidents.

A total of 209 migrants were picked up by officers as they attempted the crossing in small boats – a new daily record for 2021. 

People smugglers took advantage of calm conditions to attempt the treacherous 21-mile crossing of the Dover Straits – the busiest shipping lanes in the world.

The daily figures recorded today takes the total number of migrants who have arrived in the UK so far this year up to at least 1,977.

Border Force agents detained more than 200 migrants attempting to cross the Channel today in nine separate incidents. Pictured: A group of migrants are brought into Dover Marina in Kent earlier today

A total of 209 migrants were picked up by officers as they attempted the crossing in small boats – a new daily record for 2021

People smugglers took advantage of calm conditions to attempt the treacherous 21-mile crossing of the Dover Straits – the busiest shipping lanes in the world. Pictured: A Border Force vessel is seen bringing a group of migrants into Dover earlier today

Meanwhile, on the other side of the Channel, French officials stopped an additional 166 people attempting the crossing overnight and throughout today.

French authorities arrested two individuals in relation to small boat crossings. 

The first was just south of Boulogne. A van was stopped and found to contain two boats and two engines and the driver arrested. 

The second was in a similar area when an estate vehicle was stopped and found to contain a boat, an engine and fuel. 

A number of migrants stand huddled together at Dover Marina earlier today after being brought ashore by Border Force officers

Border Force agents help lift one migrant out of a vessel and onto dry land in Dover earlier today

This migrant received a helping hand as they clambered out of a Border Force patrol boat in Dover, Kent, earlier today

Additionally two separate material finds on the evening of the 26th of a concealed boat and a concealed engine add to the eight finds of concealed boats and engines the week prior.  

A Home Office spokesperson said: ‘We are working closely with our partners in France to stop migrants from leaving French beaches. 

‘More than 2,000 people have been prevented from making dangerous crossings so far this year, including 166 overnight and today.

‘Also overnight, French authorities arrested two individuals found with evidence of intention to facilitate small boat crossings, and confiscated a further two hidden boats this week.

A border Force officers guides a migrant up a ramp towards dry land earlier today after officials detained a group attempting to cross the Channel

A migrant, wearing a high-visibility jacket walks up a ramp in Dover this morning after being brought ashore by Border Force officers

‘We acknowledge there is more work to be done, which is why we are bringing forward our New Plan for Immigration to break the business model of people smugglers who put lives at risk by facilitating dangerous journeys into the UK and overhaul our broken asylum system.’

The previous daily record for attempted migrant crossings this year had been 183 on March 23.  

There were 1,850 migrants detained recorded for the entire year in 2019.

In 2020 there were a record 8,410 migrants detained reaching the UK across the Channel in small boats compared to 2019.