Brits vent fury over mega-dinghy smashing migrant Channel crossing record to new high

A massive dinghy has shattered records after bringing 125 migrants across the Channel to Britain on a day that saw at least three people including a child lose their lives.

The vessel arrived on UK shores on Saturday, carrying the highest number of illegal migrants ever to have made it to the country in a single boat from France, reports The Telegraph.

The staggering figure of 125 migrants represents nearly double the average number of asylum seekers packed into small boats making the perilous journey. The news comes as a third migrant deported to France as Labour faces fury as '1000' cross Channel.

Head of Policy & Head of DOGE for Reform UK Zia Yusuf posted the news on X:

"The record-breaking crossing beats the previous high of 107 set earlier this summer in a grim milestone for border officials. The development comes as the number of migrants crossing the Channel this year matches the record set in 2022, with more than 32,000 having reached the UK in small boats during 2025.

"125 illegals just arrived in a SUPER dinghy - the largest ever in a single boat 1300 so far this weekend. The only place Labour is driving innovation is in the illegal dinghy market. Do not complain, however, or Starmer will call you racist."

The internet reacts to the news

X users poured scorn on the Labour government response to the small boats crisis in light of this latest failure.

WokenonsenseFC said, "How many of those 1300 were women and children? Darren Jones probs gonna gaslight the public again"

Janey left the following message, "Zia, they can get 200 on some of the dingys...my hubby is filming it daily in Dover...he gets screamed at by Border Force & is taking a big risk but the dingys are getting bigger...of course they are...business model"

Whatdidyousay penned, ""Digital ID will stop illegal workers," claims Starmer. Meanwhile, the UK can't even block a massive buoy from invading their shores."

However, Gelson Luz offered the following advice, "The real innovation we need is in creating safe, legal pathways. This would undercut the smuggling networks and allow for orderly processing. A comprehensive approach addresses the root causes more effectively than just reacting to arrivals."

Child dies after falling from overcrowded boat

Saturday also witnessed the tragic death of a child migrant who fell off a Channel small boat - before the dangerously overcrowded dinghy pressed on with its journey to the UK.

The body of the migrant, believed to be a teenager, was discovered washed up on Écault beach just south of the French port town of Boulogne-sur-Mer on Sunday morning, according to prosecutor Cécile Gressier.

Two Somali women crushed to death

The child's death followed the loss of two Somali women who are believed to have been crushed in the bottom of a dinghy also while attempting the crossing on Saturday.

People smugglers took advantage of improved weather conditions as some 895 migrants are thought to have reached the UK on Saturday alone.

Home Secretary vows crackdown

Responding to the mega-dinghy arrival, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood delivered a fierce condemnation of the ongoing crisis.

"These small boats crossings are utterly unacceptable and the vile people-smugglers behind them are wreaking havoc on our borders," she declared.

"Protecting the UK border is my priority as home secretary and I will explore all options to restore order to our immigration system."

Smugglers switch to bigger boats

The people smugglers are believed to have started deploying larger dinghies in a calculated move to maximise profits as law enforcement agencies have ramped up border checks.

Authorities have been working to intercept the equipment sourced from China and Turkey in an increasingly desperate effort to stem the flow.

Germany strikes deal to seize smuggling boats

The Government has secured a new agreement with Germany to change its laws so that police can more easily seize the boats which are often stored in warehouses across the country.

The law change is set to be introduced before Christmas to close a loophole that meant people smuggling to non-EU countries was not illegal in Germany.