140 migrants in single dinghy rescued in English Channel
Summary
Around 140 migrants on a single inflatable boat were rescued in the English Channel after launching from the Normandy coast. French and UK rescue teams worked together, and the migrants will be taken to the UK shore. Officials recently discussed ways to reduce these dangerous small boat crossings.Key Facts
- The dinghy carried about 140 people and launched from near the Bay of the Seine in Normandy.
- French rescue boats followed the dinghy for about 10 hours but did not stop it in French waters for safety reasons.
- The migrants were rescued in UK waters by RNLI lifeboats from Bembridge and Yarmouth.
- This crossing is unusual because the launch point is about 170 miles from the usual departure area near Calais.
- In August, a record boat carried 230 migrants across the Channel.
- Between January and September 2026, about 16,513 people crossed the English Channel by small boats, down 43% from the previous year.
- Migrant boats are now larger, carrying more people to avoid detection as policing strengthens near Calais.
- The UK government is sending 45 extra police officers to French beaches to handle larger "mega dinghies."
- Many migrants arriving by small boat apply for asylum, which under international law allows them to stay while their cases are reviewed.
- At least 84 people died trying to cross the Channel in 2024, showing how dangerous the trip is.
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