Massive Inflatables: Smugglers’ New Deadly Toys
People smugglers are now using massive inflatable boats, some stretching up to 10 metres long, to ferry desperate migrants across the Channel. The National Crime Agency (NCA) warns many of these large, unbranded grey or black vessels have no legitimate use. They’re being churned out solely for smuggling operations.
Death Traps Held Together by Tape
Smugglers aren’t stopping there. They’re patching up flimsy boats with sub-standard materials and even gaffer tape. In July, a plastic-bottomed boat collapsed mid-Channel, tossing its occupants into icy waters. Thankfully, Border Force rescued them. Just days before a similar vessel sank, killing 27, multiple boats were found barely held together by strips of tape.
NCA and Partners Strike Back
On November 29, the NCA issued a global alert via Interpol, urging law enforcement worldwide to monitor and report suspicious boat suppliers. Martin Grace, head of Organised Immigration Crime operations at the NCA, said:
“Many of these boats have little or no genuine commercial use. They are manufactured and sold online specifically for people smuggling, and this is now a key focus for us.”
The NCA’s crackdown includes a recent operation with French police that smashed a gang supplying boats capable of carrying 40 to 60 people. The raid led to 18 arrests in Calais, Le Havre, and Paris.
Warning Signs for the Maritime Industry
Dan O’Mahoney, Home Office’s Clandestine Channel Threat Commander, blasted the smugglers: “They don’t care if people die. They’re exploiting desperation for profit.”
He urged the maritime sector to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity, such as:
- Large cash payments for boats or equipment
- Unusual combos of boats and gear ordered together
- Bulk purchases of life jackets or similar items
- Repeat orders from the same retailers
- Buyers showing no concern for boat or equipment condition
- Customers rushing transactions or avoiding delivery addresses
- Online buyers travelling specifically to collect boats
The NCA continues working closely with partners in France, Belgium, and beyond. They currently have around 50 ongoing investigations targeting top-tier organised immigration crime, with over 140 arrests since 2021.
