Migrants attempt dangerous Channel crossings from new French departure points
Migrants were seen scrambling aboard an overcrowded inflatable boat off the French coast overnight on Friday, as authorities warned of increasing Channel crossing attempts from previously uncommon departure points.
Footage showed migrants wading into the water to board the packed dinghy, with several left behind on the shore. A man was also seen carrying a baby along the beach.
French authorities say migrants are increasingly departing from beaches south and west of Calais and Dunkirk, taking longer and more dangerous routes towards the United Kingdom.
In Normandy's Seine-Maritime department, authorities recorded 56 crossing-related incidents by September 15, compared with 31 throughout 2025.
UK government figures show small boat arrivals fell by 41% in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period last year.
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However, overcrowding has worsened, with an average of 65 migrants per boat, up from 58 in the first half of 2025.
Official figures for the year ending June 2026 also show that adult men accounted for 72% of arrivals, while women made up 13% and children 15%.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
