The number of people who have made the perilous journey across the English Channel in small boats this year has surged past 41,000, following a significant spike in activity over the weekend.
Weekend Surge Pushes Annual Total Past 41,000
Latest official figures reveal that 803 individuals undertook the dangerous crossing from northern France in 13 dinghies. The journeys commenced overnight on Friday and continued into Saturday.
This influx has pushed the cumulative total for 2025 to 41,455 people. The weekend's arrivals mark the highest single-day number since October 8, when 1,075 people crossed.
A Record for December Despite Harsh Conditions
Analysis of the data indicates that Saturday's crossings appear to constitute a record for a single day in the month of December, based on records stretching back to 2018.
This is notable as December is traditionally one of the quietest periods for Channel crossings. A combination of low temperatures, poor visibility, reduced daylight, and stormy weather typically makes the voyage exceptionally hazardous.
The highest total for the entire month of December remains 3,254 arrivals, recorded in 2024. So far this December, 2,163 people have arrived on UK shores.
Government Response and International Cooperation
The weekend's activity was visible on Saturday morning, with a Border Force vessel bringing a group of people, believed to be migrants, into the port of Dover. This followed reports of a busy night where numerous boats were seen departing French shores.
In response to the ongoing migrant crossings crisis, the UK government continues to focus on addressing upstream causes through cooperation with neighbouring nations.
Germany recently passed a new law, set to come into force before year's end, which could see people smugglers face up to 10 years in prison for attempting to bring migrants to the UK. The legislation aims to enhance law enforcement powers and improve information sharing between the two countries.
Meanwhile, France has signalled its intention to intercept small boats at sea before they can pick up individuals heading for the British coast.
