Tragedy in the Channel as Crisis Deepens
A migrant has died, and another is missing, after attempting to cross the English Channel on Saturday, March 8, 2025.
This marks the eighth straight day of small boat crossings, with more than 150 migrants making the perilous journey to the UK despite ongoing government efforts to curb arrivals.
Fatality Confirmed Near French Coast
According to French maritime authorities, the deceased migrant—a 60-year-old man from Kuwait—was found lifeless on a beach in Marck, Pas-de-Calais.
Rescue services attempted to revive him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Meanwhile, another migrant reportedly fell overboard from a small boat and remains missing.
Record-Breaking Channel Crossings
- Since Saturday, March 1, approximately 1,900 migrants have arrived in small boats, shattering previous records for this time of year.
- Saturday’s crossings have brought this year’s total to nearly 4,000—17% higher than at the same point in 2024.
- Last year, 36,800 migrants crossed the Channel—a 25% increase from 2023.
Border Force Responds to Influx
In response to the latest crossings:
- Border Force vessel Volunteer picked up one migrant boat reaching UK waters by 10am.
- 70 migrants were processed at Dover Harbour.
- Border Force vessel Typhoon responded to two more boats further along the Channel.
Political Fallout and Government Response
The surge in crossings presents a major challenge for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who had pledged to “smash the gangs” facilitating illegal migration.
A Home Office spokesperson stated:
“We all want to end dangerous small boat crossings, which threaten lives and undermine our border security. The people-smuggling gangs do not care if the vulnerable people they exploit live or die, as long as they pay.”
“We will stop at nothing to dismantle their business models and bring them to justice.”
Despite these assurances, critics argue that the record-breaking arrivals suggest the UK’s deterrence strategy is failing.
As calm weather conditions persist, authorities expect further crossings in the coming days.
