Migrant numbers in small boats crossing Channel now higher this year than 2023
The Independent|October 27, 2024
More migrants have crossed the Channel on small boats so far this year than in the whole of 2023, new government figures show.
HOLLY BANCROFT
Migrant numbers in small boats crossing Channel now higher this year than 2023

Data published yesterday showed that the number of migrant crossings has now passed last year’s 29,437 total.

A total of 424 people crossed the Channel on Friday, taking 2024’s total so far up to 29,578. While 2024’s figures are up on 2023, it is still significantly lower than the 2022 peak, when 45,728 people made the perilous journey.

The number of Channel crossings comes after the French coastguard said it rescued 76 migrants in three boats on Thursday after they called for help when they got into difficulty while attempting the crossing.

This story is from the October 27, 2024 edition of The Independent.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the October 27, 2024 edition of The Independent.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE INDEPENDENTView All
'I'll be back through No 10's doors one way or another'
The Independent

'I'll be back through No 10's doors one way or another'

We all know Maro Itoje's leadership qualities in rugby, but he tells Harry Latham-Coyle he has big ambitions off the pitch

time-read
5 mins  |
October 29, 2024
Defiance proved no match for a bizarre brand of chaos
The Independent

Defiance proved no match for a bizarre brand of chaos

Erik ten Hag has a class of defiance that sometimes made him sound a man apart.

time-read
4 mins  |
October 29, 2024
The 'fight has been called off' for staggering Ten Hag
The Independent

The 'fight has been called off' for staggering Ten Hag

Man United sack manager with the club 14th in league

time-read
4 mins  |
October 29, 2024
Gift economy: John Lewis to hire 12,500 festive staff
The Independent

Gift economy: John Lewis to hire 12,500 festive staff

The John Lewis Partnership (JLP) is set to hire 12,500 temporary staff this festive season in its largest seasonal recruitment drive to date.

time-read
1 min  |
October 29, 2024
Zoopla says £113bn of sales in pipeline as market surges
The Independent

Zoopla says £113bn of sales in pipeline as market surges

An estimated £113bn-worth of homes are working their way through the buying process in what marks the highest level of new sales agreed since autumn 2020, according to the property website Zoopla.

time-read
1 min  |
October 29, 2024
Look to Ireland to embrace the true spirit of Halloween
The Independent

Look to Ireland to embrace the true spirit of Halloween

Anna Hart speaks to historians, spiritual leaders and revellers about Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival now enjoying a resurgence but which the Irish were forcibly taught to forget

time-read
6 mins  |
October 29, 2024
Depardieu sexual assault trial postponed until March
The Independent

Depardieu sexual assault trial postponed until March

Gerard Depardieu’s trial on charges of sexually assaulting two women on a film set was yesterday postponed until March due to concerns about the actor’s health.

time-read
4 mins  |
October 29, 2024
Big Apple rotten to the core at Trump's Garden party
The Independent

Big Apple rotten to the core at Trump's Garden party

A 'surreal' return to New York saw 19,000 people cheer on crude insults and attacks nine days before the US election

time-read
5 mins  |
October 29, 2024
Paedophile who made AI images jailed for 18 years.
The Independent

Paedophile who made AI images jailed for 18 years.

A man has been jailed for 18 years after creating AI-generated images of child sexual abuse in an “utterly chilling” landmark case.

time-read
3 mins  |
October 29, 2024
Fertility rate in England and Wales plunges to record low
The Independent

Fertility rate in England and Wales plunges to record low

The fertility rate in England and Wales has dropped to its lowest level since records began, new government data shows.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 29, 2024