Dozens more migrants have today been picked up crossing the English Channel in five boats – taking the total to arrive this year past a record 2,000.
Around 70 refugees were taken into the Port of Dover in Kent this morning following a rescue mission involving the Border Force vessels Hunter and Seeker.
Two migrants, intercepted by the HMC Speedwell, had attempted to make the dangerous crossing from France in a fibreglass canoe.
It comes a day after 17 migrants in two boats reached Britain from the continent, taking this year’s total number of arrivals to 1,991 – with 2019’s 1,850 figure already eclipsed.
Fifteen migrants crammed into a small dinghy were also escorted by the French navy into British waters last week, as people continue to risk their lives in search of asylum in the UK.
Two migrants today attempted to cross to Britain from France in a fibreglass canoe as dozens more made the dangerous journey
The pair were among around 70 refugees who attempted to cross the English Channel today
The migrants’ small dinghy was escorted by the French navy boat Abeille Languedoc and was intercepted by UK Border Force in the English Channel against the background of the White Cliffs of Dover.
After signing a joint action plan in January, French authorities are now obliged to intercept migrant vessels making the life-threatening journeys and bring them to the closest safe port.
The narrow Strait of Dover is the busiest shipping lane in the world and can feature dangerous conditions.
At least 1,620 migrants have crossed to the UK in small boats since the coronavirus lockdown was announced on March 23.
This is despite the continuing Covid-19 crisis and repeated warnings of the dangers of crossing the English Channel in small vessels.
Around 70 refugees were taken into the Port of Dover this morning following a rescue mission involving the Border Force vessels Hunter and Seeker
Migrants are seen wrapped in blankets and wearing face masks as they travel to Dover on board a Border Force vessel
Today’s arrivals push the total number of migrants to attempt the crossing this year over 2,000
Migrants taken to Dover are issued with masks and are assessed for symptoms of Covid-19, but are not routinely tested.
So far in June, 261 migrants have made it to the UK – including 166 in eight boats on June 3, a single-day record.
Last Wednesday, four migrants were dramatically rescued three miles off the French coast after they tried to paddle across the Channel on two windsurf boards tied together with rope.
The group, who were picked up by a French patrol boat at 6.35am after attempting the crossing in a make-shift vessel, had used shovels as oars.
They were picked up around three-miles from the Calais coast after being spotted in difficulty by the crew of cross-channel ferry Dunkirk Seaways.
So far in June, 261 migrants (seen today) have made it to the UK – including 166 in eight boats on June 3, a single-day record
Migrants taken to Dover are issued with masks and are assessed for symptoms of Covid-19, but are not routinely tested
Migrants are seen at the Port of Dover in Kent today after being intercepted by Border Force
The staggering 2,000 milestone is a body blow to Home Secretary Priti Patel, who has repeatedly vowed to clamp down on crossings since taking up her post last year
Speaking about today’s arrivals, a Coastguard spokesman said: ‘HM Coastguard has been coordinating search and rescue responses to incidents off Kent today, working with Border Force, Kent Police and other partners.
‘Border Force vessels Hunter and Seeker and an RNLI lifeboat from Dover have been sent. We are committed to safeguarding life around the seas and coastal areas of this country.
‘HM Coastguard is only concerned with preservation of life, rescuing those in trouble and bringing them safely back to shore, where they will be handed over to the relevant partner emergency services or authorities.’
The latest crossings have pushed this year’s total arrivals over the 2,000 mark.
The staggering milestone is a body blow to Home Secretary Priti Patel, who has repeatedly vowed to clamp down on crossings since taking up her post last year.
The Home Office has pumped millions of pounds into security measures to prevent migrant crossings from France, funding drones to patrol the country’s coastline – but the crisis has continued to worsen.