More than 800 people crossed the English Channel in small boats on Saturday, marking the largest single-day crossing since October and an apparent record for any day in December. Border Force vessels brought the arrivals into Dover after a busy night saw 13 dinghies depart from northern France.
The total number of Channel crossings in small boats has now reached 41,455 people in 2025. The figure underscores the continued use of this dangerous route across one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.
Record December crossing
Saturday's crossing of 803 people represents the highest single-day total since October 8, when 1,075 people made the journey. Based on data dating back to 2018, the 803 arrivals appear to mark a record for any December day.
A Border Force vessel brought people thought to be migrants into Dover following the overnight crossings. Multiple boats left the French coast during a busy night of activity.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
