803 crossed the Channel in one day - December record as Germany targets smugglers

The total number of Channel crossings for 2025 now stands at 41,455 people (Gareth Fuller/PA) Gareth Fuller

More than 41,000 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats this year, following a weekend surge that saw 803 arrivals on Saturday. The single-day total marks the highest since October 8 and likely sets a record for any December day since data collection began in 2018.

The Saturday crossings brought the annual total to 41,455 people. Border Force vessels brought people into Dover after 13 dinghies made the journey overnight Friday and into Saturday from northern France.

The surge comes during a month typically marked by the fewest crossings. December's harsh conditions - low temperatures, poor visibility, reduced daylight, and stormy seas - normally deter attempts. Yet 2,163 people have already crossed this month, with the previous December record standing at 3,254 arrivals in 2024.

International Response

Germany has passed new legislation targeting people smugglers, set to take effect before year-end. The law introduces prison sentences of up to 10 years for those attempting to bring migrants to the UK. It aims to strengthen law enforcement powers and enhance information sharing between UK and German authorities.

France has indicated plans to intercept small boats at sea before they can pick up people attempting to reach the UK. The UK government continues working with neighboring countries to address what it calls the "upstream" causes of the migration crisis.

The last time daily crossings exceeded Saturday's total was October 8, when 1,075 people made the journey.

Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).