Around 140 migrants have been rescued in the English Channel today (Sunday, 6 September), after a dinghy was launched from the French coast. The vessel left the Normandy coast overnight, and after it requested help in UK waters, was rescued by two RNLI boats, the French coastguard said.
Rescue operation details
The rescue follows a series of recent incidents involving small boats in the Channel. Last month, some 230 people were detected on a single boat, following an emergency in which 173 people were rescued from a vessel.
The Daily Express contacted the Maritime & Coastguard Agency for comment.
Political response
The news comes after PM Andy Burnham recently discussed the small boats crisis with French President Emmanuel Macron. As he welcomed Mr Macron to No 10 on Thursday, Mr Burnham said the two countries must “stay one step ahead” of the criminals’ evolving tactics.
Around 16,391 migrants have crossed the Channel so far in 2026, down 43% on the same time last year and a 17% drop from the same point in 2024.
Home Secretary statement
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “We are boosting officer numbers to record highs to crack down on small boat launches and the gangs behind them.
“This work is bearing fruit. Over 48,000 crossing attempts have been prevented, small boat crossing numbers are down, and removals of those here illegally are at record levels. But we are not complacent, and we must be relentless. We will continue efforts on all fronts to tackle these illegal and dangerous crossings.”
