Over 1,200 migrants cross the English Channel in a single weekend amid soaring arrivals

Since Friday, more than 1,200 illegal migrants have traversed the English Channel, with daily numbers climbing from 91 to 164 and then to 418 by Sunday. The Sunday influx included 146 people who landed near the Isle of Wight after departing from western Normandy, prompting angry demonstrators to block roads around Gosport. On Monday, 509 migrants entered UK waters, while another vessel carrying at least 60 individuals is still heading toward Britain.

Authorities in both the UK and France anticipate hundreds more attempts tomorrow, citing calm weather conditions. The Maritime Prefecture warned that the flimsy inflatable boats used are unsafe for the busy sea lanes, urging would-be crossers to abandon their plans. Two men died after a small-boat crossing from Berck, and separate incidents left migrants suffering hypothermia and fuel exposure. The cumulative number of illegal Channel crossings this year now stands at about 20,400.