More than 200,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel in small boats since official tracking began in 2018, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing migration issue between France and the United Kingdom.

The 200,000th person to make the crossing arrived yesterday morning when the Border Force vessel Ranger docked at Dover port in Kent carrying 64 migrants who had been rescued from small boats in the Channel.

Despite reaching this overall milestone, current year statistics show a decline in crossings compared to 2023. More than 6,000 people have made the journey so far this year, representing a 36% decrease from the same period last year.

The Channel crossing route has become a primary pathway for asylum seekers and migrants attempting to reach the UK from continental Europe. The dangerous journey typically involves overcrowded inflatable boats departing from French beaches, with many requiring rescue by British or French authorities.

Border Force vessels regularly patrol the Channel and conduct rescue operations for boats in distress. The crossings have become a significant political issue for successive UK governments, who have implemented various measures to deter the dangerous journeys while managing the humanitarian aspects of the situation.