'A matter of time' warning on mass deaths in UK migrant boat crossing

The chief of the UK's border security warns that a mass casualty event is "only a matter of time" for migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats. Border Security Commander Duncan Capps expressed concern over the increasing size of boats and the number of migrants onboard. This is due to smugglers adapting their tactics in response to efforts by British and French authorities to stop the influx. While arrivals have reached the lowest point since 2020, the risks for the asylum seekers themselves are growing.

Mr. Capps, a former army general and commandant of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, highlighted the increased boat sizes, noting a recent incident where 230 migrants were found on a single vessel. He stated, "I think the things that worry me about it most this year have been the increase in size of the boats and the increase in occupancy." The concern is that such incidents could become more frequent.

Smugglers are reportedly moving further south, from Dunkirk and Calais towards Normandy, to avoid detection by authorities. Capps emphasized the dangers, particularly in winter, stating, "We are going to have loss of life, and it really, really concerns me." He also noted that there are currently around 3,800 migrants in northern France, representing a doubling compared to two years ago.

This situation is attributed to the French authorities making it increasingly difficult for migrants to cross the Channel. The UK and France signed a £660 million agreement in 2024 to prevent migrant crossings, which has been effective in reducing numbers.