Migrants using longer, more dangerous routes across Channel
Migrants are increasingly using longer, more dangerous routes from Normandy and the Cherbourg area to cross the English Channel. French authorities report an increase in patrol efforts as smuggling operations shift away from the Calais region.
Why it matters
The shifting geography of migrant crossings complicates border security efforts and increases the risk of loss of life at sea.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Smugglers have launched small boats from beaches much further from Calais and Dunkirk
A growing number of migrants are trying to cross the Channel on small boats using longer routes from beaches further south and west of Calais and Dunkirk, French authorities say.
Last week one boat set off from Normandy and spent more than 30 hours at sea , before being intercepted and taken to Dover by Border Force.
Although attempts from Normandy have been rare, authorities in neighbouring Seine-Maritime say there have already been 58 attempts this year, up from 30 last year.
The government says it is bearing down on dangerous small boat crossings, with figures showing a sharp drop in arrivals this year .
Despite overall crossings dropping , the stretch of coastline used for smuggling appears to be widening.
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