Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
World
RFI

Record 128 migrants cross Channel in one boat as overall numbers drop

A group of people on an inflatable dinghy before leaving the coast of northern France in an attempt to cross the English Channel, from the beach of Petit-Fort-Philippe in Gravelines, near Calais, France, 23 May 2026.
A group of people on an inflatable dinghy before leaving the coast of northern France in an attempt to cross the English Channel, from the beach of Petit-Fort-Philippe in Gravelines, near Calais, France, 23 May 2026. © Dylan Martinez/Reuters

A small boat carrying 128 people has reached the coast of England, marking a new record for the largest single crossing of the Channel on a small boat, even as the number of crossings has dropped in recent months.

The boat was one of three that reached the United Kingdom on 10 July, carrying a total of 225 people, according to the British Home Office.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.