Security sources have condemned ‘highly reckless people smugglers’ after an illegal migrant dinghy was launched into the English Channel this morning in treacherous conditions.
The dinghy made it to UK waters, with dozens of people onboard, just before 10am after being escorted across by two French patrol ships.
Winds in the Channel have exceeded 15mph at times today, far higher than criminal gangs will normally consider launching boats in.
One maritime security source told GB News: “We’re seeing the criminal gangs taking greater risks now, as they try to stay one step ahead of French law enforcement.
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“As well as the traditional launch points around Dunkirk and the Pas-de-Calais, they’ve been pushing out dinghies much further West in the Channel where there aren’t as many police patrols.
“But now we’re seeing highly reckless people smugglers pushing the envelope in terms of the weather conditions they’re prepared to launch in.
“These flimsy vessels are dangerous even in the most benign of conditions but when the winds and waves pick up, they really struggle to make any headway and can often start to come apart.”
The Border Security Command vessel Contender took the illegal immigrants who made it to UK waters this morning to the Border Force processing centre at Dover Harbour.
Just after 11am, GB News counted 53 people, the vast majority young men, as they were taken off the Contender and led to nearby tents for initial health and security checks.
Today’s illegal arrivals follow more than 145 migrants who crossed the Channel in two migrant dinghies yesterday.
It takes the number who have crossed so far this year to just under 17,500.
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