The number of people crossing the English Channel in small boats this year has now passed 9,000, GB News can reveal.
It follows a further 204 people who were intercepted by Border Force on four small boats yesterday.
Weather conditions in the English Channel have deteriorated today, with a moderate breeze blowing from the north east, making the route impassable for migrant dinghies.
Last week, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak claimed government policies geared at stopping the boats was beginning to make a difference, with a 20 per cent reduction on the numbers crossing this year, compared to the same period last year.
On Sunday, 616 people crossed the Channel in 12 small boats.
PABut maritime experts on the south coast disputed that assertion, telling GB News the reduction in numbers was more to do with the persistent north easterly winds than government policy.
Apart from a few weather windows, the winds have been blowing from the north east for several months, churning up the waves, as those winds push against the prevailing tides.
A break in the weather over the weekend saw a large surge in migrants attempting the crossing.
On Monday, 545 people were pulled from 11 small boats in the middle of the Channel
PAOn Sunday, 616 people crossed the Channel in 12 small boats.
And on Monday, 545 people were pulled from 11 small boats in the middle of the Channel.
Added to the 204 who crossed on Tuesday, GB News has calculated that 9,062 people have crossed from France to the UK in small dinghies so far this year.