The Border Force vessel Volunteer is understood to have brought 110 people into Dover harbour from two boats just before 5am today.
Hundreds of migrants attempted to cross the English Channel in small boats on Christmas morning.
More than 100 people arrived at Dover harbour in the early hours today, with several more boats seen making the dangerous journey from France on Wednesday morning, and more expected to follow over the course of the day.
The last time such vessels were known to have made the voyage was on December 14, when some 160 people arrived in three boats, according to the Government’s official figures.
The total number of Christmas Day crossings will be revealed in the Home Office’s day-to-day count of arrivals.
Authorities on both sides of the Channel are on heightened alert as improved weather over the next several days could enable over 2,000 migrants to make the crossing, reported GB News, which shared images apparently showing people arriving this morning.
A group of migrants is brought back To Dover By Border Force (Image: STEVE FINN PHOTOGRAPHY)
Just before 5am, the Border Force vessel Volunteer brought 110 people into Dover harbour from two boats.
Foggy conditions have made the crossings particularly hazardous because big container ships and other vessels can find it difficult to see the small boats.
Some 35,040 people have made the journey in 2024 so far, 20% higher than last year.
However, the figure is lower than the record high in 2022, when 45,774 people made the crossing.
One smuggler, using the name Salar, has even reportedly offered migrants a “Christmas special” deal, claiming to have 15 spaces on a small boat.
Writing on the Telegram messaging app, he said: “From the 25th until the 29th, there will be special offers as the weather is also good – God willing, you will be in England before the new year.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to “smash the gangs” and resolve the small boats crisis.
Sir Keir Starmer has made “smashing the gangs” who facilitate the small boats crossings one of his top priorities since Labour came to power.
As part of this work, the Prime Minister has set up a new Border Security Command, and is attempting to work more closely with the UK’s European neighbours to pull apart organised crime gangs involved in people smuggling.
The Government has signed several agreements with other countries to improve cooperation against smugglers. However, the numbers crossing show no sign of slowing.
Asked about today’s developments, a Home Office spokesperson said: “We all want to end dangerous small boat crossings, which threaten lives and undermine our border security.
“The people-smuggling gangs do not care if the vulnerable people they exploit live or die, as long as they pay.
“We will stop at nothing to dismantle their business models and bring them to justice.”
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