Smugglers Turn to Giant Dinghies as UK-France Crackdown Shrinks Small-Boat Flows
Smuggling groups are shifting to larger “mega-dinghies” after intensified UK-France patrols have cut the number of small boats reaching Britain.
Investigators report that heightened French coastal patrols have lowered the frequency of small boats landing in the United Kingdom, pushing people-smuggling networks to adopt “mega-dinghies” capable of transporting up to 230 migrants at a time. Rival gangs are now cooperating to load more passengers onto fewer, larger craft, raising the fee to roughly €2,000 per head and insisting on cash payment. Departures are occurring from greater distances, including Belgium, and smugglers are timing trips for daylight to avoid night-time police sweeps.
A recent rescue on 4 August saved 170 people after a boat caught fire in the Channel. Officials such as Andy Burnham and French authorities are increasing police presence, while migrants endure longer waits and harsher weather constraints.
Why it matters
Tighter border enforcement is driving smugglers to use larger boats, raising costs and danger for migrants.
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