Most migrant arrivals by small boat in single day of 2026

Image source, PA Media Image caption, The Home Office reported 10 migrant boats arrived on Wednesday

Wednesday was the busiest day of 2026 so far for small boat crossings, according to Home Office figures.

A total of 781 people arrived across 10 separate boats, bringing the cumulative total for the year so far to 18,565.

The total is 42% lower than up to the equivalent date in 2025.

Wednesday's figure was the highest daily total since 803 people arrived on 20 December 2025.

The figures include a dinghy carrying 51 people which departed from Normandy, much further west than small boats typically set off, on Monday morning and spent more than 33 hours at sea .

British rescue boats had been sent to collect those on board after French coastguards said they had refused their help.