Record number of migrants have attempted the crossing since the start of 2024. A calm Channel and mild weather raised fears of a further increase in Channel crossings on rickety and overly loaded boats.
Since January 1, 4,644 people, all nationalities combined, have crossed the Channel, an increase of 23% compared to the same period last year. Civil protection teams were deployed this Sunday morning between Wimereux and Ambleteuse, near the beaches of Slack Bay, a ‘spot’ for departures.