Channel migrants: More make the crossing in small boats

The majority of migrants brought ashore on Wednesday were young men

More than 140 migrants were brought ashore at Dover on Wednesday, the day after 400 people arrived in small boats off the Kent coast.

Some 146 people, including about 28 children, were rescued in the Channel and brought to the Kent port.

On Tuesday 444 people arrived in Dungeness, Dover and Ramsgate in 11 small boats, according to the Ministry of Defence.

It was the highest number since 562 were recorded on 14 April.

The majority of people brought ashore in Dover on Wednesday were men aged from their late teens to their 30s or 40s but there were also a number of women and young children.

They arrived on two boats, which were reported to be in poor condition and partially deflated.

One of the boats contained two children's inflatable rubber rings as well as lifejackets.

One of the boats towed into Dover had partially deflated

Among those rescued on Tuesday were a heavily pregnant woman, babies and one father carrying his toddler son on his shoulders.

It brings the total number of people making the crossing in small boats this year to almost 11,000, according to figures collated by the BBC.

About 8,400 migrants crossed in 2020. More than 28,000 made the journey in 2021.

This year's total is more than double what it was during the same period last year.

In April the government announced plans to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda as part of a five-year trial.

• Court allows Rwanda asylum flight to go ahead

• Government plans new flight after cancellation

• How many asylum seekers could be sent to Rwanda?

It is thought to be aimed mostly at single young migrants who arrive through "illegal, dangerous or unnecessary methods," such as on small boats or lorries.

In 2021, 75% of all small boat arrivals were men aged 18 to 39, according to Home Office figures.

Rwanda would take responsibility for those sent there and has said migrants would be "entitled to full protection under Rwandan law" with equal access to employment and services.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said the government was committed to its asylum plan after a court ruling stopping the first plane from taking off.

A government spokesman said: "Under our new Migration and Economic Development Partnership with Rwanda, those making dangerous, unnecessary and illegal journeys may be relocated there to have their claims considered and to rebuild their lives."

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