Increase in Large Boats Used by Smugglers Amid Crackdown on Small Boats

A BBC investigation has found that a decrease in small boats illegally reaching the UK is prompting people smuggling gangs to adopt new tactics, including the use of larger vessels referred to as 'mega-dinghies.' The investigation observed migrants boarding an inflatable dinghy on Gravelines beach in northern France. Reports indicate that more of these larger boats are being prepared, following the arrival of a 15-meter long boat carrying a record 230 migrants to the UK, which drew criticism from both media and politicians. Ministers have been accused of 'losing control' over illegal Channel crossings, while French police have faced scrutiny for their lack of intervention. The investigation revealed that smugglers are running low on small boats and are now collaborating to load more migrants onto fewer, larger vessels. In response, the UK and France are increasing police presence on the French coast to curb the crossings. Gang members have expressed concern over the risks associated with larger boats, especially after an incident on August 4 where 170 people had to be rescued when their boat caught fire. French authorities claim to be intercepting two-thirds of small boats before they reach the coast, leading to fewer crossing opportunities and increased costs for migrants, with prices rising from around €1,300 to €2,000 per person. The BBC witnessed a group of migrants boarding a boat that had traveled from Belgium, highlighting the organized nature of these crossings. Between January and September 2026, 16,513 people crossed the Channel by small boat, a 43% decrease from the previous year. These crossings have become the most common method for illegal entry into the UK since 2020, with nearly all arrivals claiming asylum. The government has pledged to combat the gangs responsible for these crossings. Recent data indicates that 18% of arrivals from July 2025 to June 2026 were from Eritrea, and at least 2,335 individuals arriving by small boat were identified as potential victims of human trafficking. The total number of people living illegally in the UK after arriving legally is not known. The situation in Gravelines is marked by a sense of despair among migrants, who are often forced to wait weeks or months for their next opportunity to cross due to increased policing. Charity workers report that migrants are now sleeping closer to the beach to avoid detection. The BBC's investigation faced hostility from smugglers, resulting in an attack on their crew. Despite the reduction in crossing numbers, thousands continue to enter the UK illegally each month, indicating that the motivations for migration remain strong.