Despite UK clampdown bid, 100s cross Channel in small boats
ABC News
British officials say hundreds of people have crossed the English Channel in small boats in the last 24 hours, after more than a week in which no crossings were reported
LONDON -- Hundreds of people have crossed the English Channel in small boats in the last 24 hours, British officials said Monday, after more than a week in which none of the hazardous journeys were reported.
The Ministry of Defense said 254 people arrived on the English coast in seven boats from northern France on Sunday, and more people were brought ashore by British lifeboats on Monday.
The crossings had all but halted since April 20, a few days after Britain announced a plan to send some asylum-seekers to Rwanda. But officials said rough weather, rather than the new policy, was the likely reason for the lull.
Thousands of people a year try to cross one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes in dinghies and other fragile craft in hope of a new life in the U.K. More than 28,000 migrants entered Britain across the Channel last year, up from 8,500 in 2020. Dozens have died, including 27 people in November when a packed boat capsized.
