Since January 1, 4,644 people, all nationalities combined, have crossed the Channel, an increase of 23% compared to the same period last year. The last record was set in 2022, with 4,548 crossings between the beginning of January and the end of March.
On Tuesday alone, 338 people reached the English coast in these boats, most often inflatable boats loaded with dozens of passengers. Since the start of the year, at least seven migrants have died at sea and on a canal while trying to reach England.