The first Channel migrants of 2024 have reached Dover, marking the end of the longest period without migrant arrivals in almost four years. The Border Force catamaran Defender, which had been on high alert, arrived at Dover harbour around 7 am on the morning of Saturday, January 13, 2024, with approximately 50 asylum seekers on board, as reported by GB News.
GB News Kent producer on the scene diligently counted the migrants as they were transferred from the Defender to the Border Force processing centre in Dover. This event not only signifies the commencement of Channel migrant arrivals for the new year but also breaks a dry spell since December 16, 2023, making it the longest period without such arrivals in almost four years.
A second small migrant boat has also been reported attempting to cross the Channel, currently being escorted by a French border vessel. The precarious journey comes amidst challenging weather conditions, with persistent winds rendering the route impassable for the relatively flimsy inflatable boats typically used by migrants.
Overnight, however, the winds subsided to under 10 knots, providing a window of opportunity for people smugglers to attempt the illegal crossing. Authorities in the UK were alerted in the early hours after the French patrol vessel Armois reported its escorting of a migrant boat spotted around 3.30 am off the coast near Wissant, France.
The small boat successfully crossed into UK waters just before 6 am and was promptly intercepted by the Defender near the Varne light ship. Despite the challenging conditions, the migrants are now safely in Dover, where they are undergoing medical assessments and various other checks at the main Border Force processing centre within the harbor.
It is noteworthy that the last migrant boat to successfully make the journey arrived 27 days ago, carrying 55 people across the Channel. The resumption of such arrivals raises concerns about the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in managing and preventing these perilous journeys.
As the UK continues to grapple with the complex issues surrounding migration, the latest incident underscores the persistent efforts of individuals seeking asylum despite adverse conditions. It also emphasizes the need for continued collaboration between UK and French authorities to address the root causes of these migrations and enhance border security measures to ensure the safety of all involved parties.
