The latest crossings mean that since the start of the year, more than 27,000 people have reached the UK after navigating busy shipping lanes from France in small boats, according to data compiled by the PA news agency.
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More than 1,000 people have been intercepted attempting to cross the Channel in the past four days.
The latest crossings mean that since the start of the year, more than 27,000 people have reached the UK after navigating busy shipping lanes from France in small boats, according to data compiled by the PA news agency.
On Friday December 17 UK authorities rescued or intercepted 358 people from 10 boats, while the French authorities prevented at least 317 people in 11 boats from reaching the UK on Thursday and Friday.
And on Sunday December 19 the UK authorities intercepted 274 people from 11 boats while the French authorities intercepted at least 178 people from five boats on Sunday and one on Saturday.
A total of 27 people are thought to have died last month, including seven women, a teenager and a seven-year-old girl, when their boat sank while trying to cross the Channel.
Dan O’Mahoney, clandestine Channel threat commander, said: “Last month’s tragedy is a devastating reminder of the dangers of Channel crossings and we are determined to work with our European and international partners to target the ruthless organised criminal gangs behind them.
“Unbelievably, these gangs continue their deadly trade with more crossings taking place today, shamelessly putting lives at risk.
“People planning to make the journey should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach instead of risking their lives by crossing the Channel from a safe EU country.
“The Government’s New Plan for Immigration will be firm on those coming here via illegal routes and fair for those using safe and legal routes. This will reduce the pull factors in the current asylum and immigration system.”
