Highest number of migrants intercepted in the English Channel in one day

THE Home Office has confirmed that 102 migrants, including 7 children, have been intercepted in the English Channel – the highest number recorded in one day (Saturday, February 8).

According to the government entity, the Border Force stopped five inflatable boats that the migrants were travelling on, with 9 people managing to get to the beach before being held by the police. Sources indicate that the majority of the individuals who made the dangerous journey are originally from Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Syria.

In response to the recovery, Dover & Deal MP Natalie Elphicke slammed the Home Office and stated that there were “serious security lapses” on the English Channel. She added that: “It beggars belief that another flotilla of small boats got past the French again today” – citing that it was the second consecutive day that a significant amount of migrants were intercepted.

As Euro Weekly News understands, there were 6 incidents on Friday, spanning a time period between 1am and 10.45am. On Thursday, 90 migrants were also intercepted.

Speaking to the press, Ms Elphicke called for an “urgent explanation from the French as to what they are doing to get a grip on this situation”. She added:

“I am mindful that the search and rescue operations this week have involved all three border force vessels, RNLI lifeboats, HM Coastguard, a plane, a helicopter, ambulance services, police and much besides.

“These are emergency services for the UK, diverted from vital day-to-day operations.”

It is understood that those that reached the shore were held at Sandgate Beach by Kent Police.