A lifeboat crew assist migrants from the English Channel in Dungeness, Kent. November 20, 2021. See SWNS story SWOCmigrants. Hundreds of migrants were rescued from the sea by RNLI lifeguards after crossing the Channel in small boats. Adults and young children wrapped in blankets were seen being led up the beach in Dungeness, Kent on Saturday (20/11). They were helped by lifeguards from RNLI Dungeness after attempting to seek asylum before the winter weather makes the journey too difficult. At least four dinghies packed with dozens of people reportedly reached the shore, as well as a lifeboat bringing in more from out at sea. Others arrived at Folkestone and Dover harbours, brought in by authorities. Border Force agents and police were on the scene as well as three coaches to pick the migrants up and take them to be processed.
More than 20,000 migrants have arrived in the UK so far this year after crossing the Channel.
Some 300 people made the journey in five boats on Tuesday, according to Government figures, suggesting an average of around 60 people per boat.
This takes the provisional total for 2023 to date to 20,101, PA news agency analysis of the Home Office data shows.
Pictures of some of Tuesday’s arrivals showed a dinghy packed with men and boys, some without lifejackets, perched on the sides while their legs dangled in the water.
It comes as Rishi Sunak said he wants people to “have confidence” in his plan to curb Channel crossings.
The Prime Minister said the number of migrants making the journey was lower than last year and this showed his plan to “stop the boats” was “working”.
Related: Brexit blamed for failure to solve ‘small boats’ crisis poll reveals
