Channel smuggling gangs resort to 'mega-dinghies' as crackdown limits small boat supply

ByJames Waterhouse Paris correspondent, Reporting fromGravelines.

Key points

• Between 1 January and 1 September 2026, a total of 16, 513 individuals crossed the English Channel by small boat from France.
• Boats that arrived in the UK from 2 September 2025 to 1 September 2026 carried an average of 68 individuals.
• Individuals from Eritrea accounted for 18% of all arrivals from July 2025 to June 2026.
• Small boat arrivals created up 40% of asylum applications between July 2025 to June 2026.
• Today, the gangs are quoting up to €2, 000 (£1, 700) per person.

Notably, a drop in small boats illegally reaching the UK is forcing individuals smuggling gangs to adopt new tactics, a BBC investigation has identified.

And there are claims of more "mega-dinghies" being prepared, of the type seen arriving on UK shores in recent weeks.

In practice, the image of a 15-metre long small boat carrying a record 230 migrants towards the UK drew condemnation from both newspapers and politicians.

Ministers were accused of "losing control" of illegal Channel crossings, and the French police again discovered themselves criticised for not intervening.

But evocative as the picture was, it additionally represented a new strategy by the increasingly frustrated residents smugglers we encountered on France's northern shores – who attacked our crew with stones, and injured our cameraman.

They are running low on small boats, we have discovered. And once rival criminal groups are now having to work together by loading more migrants on fewer, larger vessels – just like the "mega dinghy".

Notably, the UK and France are announcing measures to growth the number of police officers on the French coast so as to try to stop the migrants.

In practice, the latest initiative comes as Andy Burnham prepares to host French President Emmanuel Macron at Downing Street for the first time since becoming prime minister.

Track UK's latest migration numbers – net migration, visas, asylum and small boats. Inside secret police warehouse as Germany targets small boats gangs. Hundreds of migrants enter UK after 10-day lull.

As of the rose risk to more lives, gang members have informed our sources that others are being prepared, to the concern of emergency teams on both sides of the Channel. On 4 August 170 individuals had to be rescued after theirs caught fire in the middle of the Channel.

With French officers claiming they are now intercepting two-thirds of small boats before they can reach the coast, that means fewer crossing opportunities. And for those hoping to create the journey, it means a higher rate.

Today, the gangs are quoting up to €2, 000 (£1, 700) per person. It applied to be around €1, 300 just a year ago. Their passengers additionally have to now pay in cash, to ensure commitment.

During one early low tide on Gravelines beach, we saw the only small boat to launch that day, and it was not what we projected.

At 09: 30, a dozen or so migrants emerged from the sand dunes. Their distinctive orange life jackets, purchased from a local sports shop, created them straightforward to identify.

Meanwhile, a need for speed at this point would be a fair assumption, but this was not to be the case. There was no running. It was almost orderly. A refined process where instructions were obeyed.

As they waded into the calm shallows of the Channel, their "taxi boat" came into view. It is simply a small boat that has departed from further along the coastline to avoid detection. Only now, they are being forced to set off from even greater distances. This one had left from Belgium.

In practice, the reason for the group not rushing was since the boat was already in the water. French police argue they are prevented from intervening at this point over fears of individuals drowning. It is to the long frustration of the British authorities. This person would like their neighbours to at least adopt a more "case-by-case" approach.

As they clutch their phones in plastic wrapping, the group patiently waits for what they hope will be a voyage to a better life in the UK. Some tell me they are from Afghanistan. They are eager to catch their ride. Those who create it on are visibly elated.

After the last passenger, a young boy, is almost thrown on board, it inches out to sea, but it is not leaving yet.

At 09: 49, another group of migrants move into the water and wait to be collected. An hour afterwards, the boat indeed does return, but to another gathering that has emerged on a different part of the beach. A few run the vast distance throughout the sand to try to secure a spot. Most manage to clamber on.

As police officers watch from the shore, the small boat goes on to create five collections like this over three hours. The boarding becomes more frantic as the window of opportunity shrinks.

By 12: 11, the small boat, with 82 individuals on board, finally moves off into the busiest shipping lane in the world. It is dwarfed by the passenger ferries in the background.

Everyone successfully created it to the UK. As the coastguard is compelled to rescue them and take them to shore, small boats typically radio for support once they are in British waters. Tap the questions below. How plenty of residents cross the English Channel in small boats?

Between 1 January and 1 September 2026, a total of 16, 513 individuals crossed the English Channel by small boat from France. This was down by 43% on the same period the previous year.

These crossings have become the most common way for individuals to be detected entering the UK illegally since 2020.

Almost all those who arrive by small boat claim asylum. Under international law, this means they are allowed to stay in the country while their asylum application is considered.

Boats that arrived in the UK from 2 September 2025 to 1 September 2026 carried an average of 68 individuals. This has more than doubled since 2021.

Experts say overcrowding in boats makes crossings riskier. At least 84 individuals died while attempting to cross the Channel in 2024, according to the United Nations (UN).

When looking at the scale of small boats crossings, the number of these arrivals is regarding 5% of the size of total immigration into the UK from January 2025 to December 2025.

Notably, the administration has pledged to "smash the gangs" behind these crossings so as to reduce the numbers. Who is arriving in the UK on small boats?

In the latest figures covering January 2025 to December 2025, at least 2, 335 individuals who arrived by small boat were identified to be potential victims of human trafficking or other forms of modern slavery, according to the Home Office. How else do individuals stay in the UK without permission?

Another 4, 712 individuals were detected entering the UK without permission via other methods including hiding in vehicles, travelling on ferries or through airports from July 2025 to June 2026. This was down by 17% on the same period the previous year.

There are additionally individuals who arrive legally, for example via a work or study visa, and then overstay their limit.

In practice, the total number of individuals who live in the UK illegally after arriving legally is not known. See more key stats on hotels, small boats and asylum.

What they leave behind in Gravelines is a scene of dejection and exhaustion. A limp toddler is carried past me towards a police officer. This person revives him with a light shake.

This all unfolds next to four or so men casting their fishing rods into the increasingly choppy waters. It is peak holiday season here. They and other dogwalkers barely glance at the crestfallen migrants wading back to the stand.

As it takes taxi boats longer to arrive and it allows them to better co-ordinate boarding, before, the gangs would often launch boats in the dead of night, but with rose police patrols, charity workers tell us the gangs now see the middle of the day as a better opportunity.

Taken together, the developments around channel smuggling gangs resort to ' mega-dinghies' as crackdown limits small boat supply point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.