More than 110 migrants have arrived in Dover harbour on Christmas Day morning, as hundreds more attempt the Channel crossing in dangerous conditions.
The Border Force vessel Volunteer brought the migrants from two boats just before 5am, with at least four more vessels currently attempting the journey.
Dense fog is making the crossings particularly hazardous, as large container ships struggle to spot the small boats in one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
A people smuggler using the name ‘Salar’ has advertised a “Christmas special” deal on Telegram, offering 15 spaces and promising arrivals “before the new year”.
The crossings mark a significant surge in 2024, with more than 35,000 people making the journey – a 20% increase from last year.
A Home Office spokesperson said: “We all want to end dangerous small boat crossings, which threaten lives and undermine our border security.”
“The people-smuggling gangs do not care if the vulnerable people they exploit live or die, as long as they pay.”
“We will stop at nothing to dismantle their business models and bring them to justice.”
