Record: 230 people cross the English Channel in a single rubber dinghy

**Record: 230 migrants cross the English Channel in a single rubber boat**

A record 230 migrants have crossed the English Channel between Britain and France in a single small boat, setting a new record for the number of people travelling on a single boat, the BBC reported.

The figure beats the previous record set in July, when 165 people crossed on a single boat. The new record-breaking boat arrived in the UK in the early hours of August 10. The picture taken off the northern coast of France shows the inflatable rubber boat overflowing with people, with many passengers standing with their feet in the water.

A spokesman for the UK Home Office said the incident highlighted the irresponsible and dangerous tactics of criminal gangs. They are putting more and more people on the rickety boats, putting their lives at risk.

According to French rescuers, the 15-meter-long boat capsized in the water, which could have caused a major tragedy.

According to French maritime officials, 30 migrants were stranded by the rising water while trying to board a boat at Berck Beach in the north of the country. They were taken to safety by sea and land rescue services.

The boat, which was carrying 232 people, continued on its way. Two passengers later asked for help and were taken to Calais on a French naval rescue ship.

Smugglers are increasingly putting more people on each boat. In 2018, the average number of people per boat was seven, but in 2025, this figure reached 62. Last week, on July 28, 173 migrants were rescued from a single boat that caught fire.

The Home Office said 258 people arrived in Britain on four boats on August 8 and 423 on five boats on August 9.

However, the total number of people crossing the border this year is falling. The initial total of people who have crossed so far in 2026 is 15,242, a 43 percent drop. The number of boats that have successfully crossed is down 49 percent. In July, the home office recorded its lowest figure for six years.

Officials say this is because people smugglers have been able to break the supply chain of small boats and engines. Since Labour came to power, 1,100 of these devices have been seized.

Officials say a sophisticated surveillance and intelligence operation has been launched over the strait. This has led to a reduction in unsupervised beachings.

The English Channel is one of the world’s most dangerous and busiest sea lanes. Many migrants come from the world’s poorest and most troubled regions. They seek asylum after being rescued by British authorities.

During a recent visit to Dover, the Prime Minister promised the government would be tough on the small boat traffic. Andy Burnham said the number of officers on both sides of the strait fighting people smuggling gangs had doubled.

But it also needs to create a system that offers safe passage for people. In April, Britain and France signed a £662 million (€773 million) deal to tackle the problem.