Approximately 1,194 migrants crossed the English Channel into the United Kingdom aboard small boats, marking the highest single-day arrival count this year, according to figures compiled by AFP.
The UK Home Office confirmed that these crossings have raised the total number for 2025 to 14,808 — the largest number recorded in the first five months of any year since 2018, when record-keeping began.
French coastguards also reported rescuing close to 200 migrants from the Channel between Friday night and Saturday evening, underscoring the continuing dangers faced by those attempting the perilous journey.
In one case, a vessel carrying 61 people experienced engine failure, while another group of nine individuals called for rescue assistance.
This surge in crossings has occurred despite collaborative efforts by British and French authorities to prevent small boat movements across the Channel.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey described the situation as “pretty shocking” during an interview with Sky News on Sunday, noting, “We observed smugglers launching boats from different locations and then circling back like taxis to pick up passengers,” adding that “Britain has lost control over its borders.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under increasing pressure, especially from right-wing factions and voters, to tighten immigration controls.
The Home Office issued a statement saying, “We all want to stop dangerous small boat crossings that put lives at risk and compromise border security,” referring to the recent influx.
The government has recently introduced stricter policies, such as lengthening the waiting period before migrants can apply for settlement and empowering authorities to deport foreign nationals convicted of crimes.
A comprehensive bill focused on Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration is also under parliamentary consideration.
Although the numbers are among the highest, they remain just below the record daily total of 1,300 migrants recorded in September 2022.
Tragically, 15 people have lost their lives this year attempting to cross one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.