Smuggling gangs take greater risks than ever: record 128 migrants cross Channel in one boat | VRT NWS (BE) | 01KXBX2XH02T4N2G1N7KF9RJNN

Smugglers are taking unprecedented risks, cramming a record 128 migrants into a single small boat that crossed the English Channel towards Britain on Friday. British media reported the incident, highlighting it as a new high for the number of people transported in one vessel.

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Smugglers are taking greater risks than ever.

A spokesperson for the British Home Office told the BBC that smuggling gangs are taking greater risks than ever before. "The number of people they are cramming into boats that are not seaworthy is increasing year after year," the spokesperson stated. On Friday, a total of 225 migrants reached the British coast in three separate boats. The vessel carrying 128 individuals set a new record for the highest number of occupants.

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The number of people they are cramming into boats that are not seaworthy is increasing year after year.

This incident serves as a "stark reminder that criminal gangs have no regard for the safety of those they claim to help," the Home Office said. "As a result, people are dying in the Channel." Most migrants attempt the crossing from the areas around Dunkirk and Calais in France. The UK government emphasized that this situation underscores the importance of a new agreement with France aimed at preventing these dangerous crossings.

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This serves as a stark reminder that criminal gangs have no regard for the safety of those they claim to help.

Despite this record-breaking crossing, the overall number of migrants attempting the journey across the Channel has reportedly declined. In the first six months of 2026, the British Home Office recorded 11,884 arrivals. This figure represents a 41% decrease compared to the first half of 2025 and a 12% reduction compared to the first half of 2024.

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As a result, people are dying in the Channel.