Migrants using longer, more dangerous routes across Channel
Summary
Migrants are crossing the English Channel using small boats from beaches farther away from the usual northern France locations. While the total number of crossings has dropped this year, the routes have become longer and more dangerous, with some boats traveling over 80 miles at sea.Key Facts
- Migrants are starting longer routes from places like Normandy and Seine-Maritime, farther south and west than before.
- In Seine-Maritime, there have been 58 crossing attempts this year, up from 30 last year.
- One boat spent more than 30 hours at sea before being stopped near Dover.
- French authorities have increased police patrols along the coast to stop crossings.
- Some smugglers still try to use ferries from France to England.
- Experts say longer trips increase risks from bad weather, sea sickness, dehydration, and drowning.
- From January to September 2026, about 19,135 people crossed by small boat, a 42% decrease from last year.
- Most people crossing by small boat apply for asylum once they reach the UK, which allows them to stay while their request is reviewed.
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