Ministry Of Defence
February 4
23:04
2023
Summary
Please note, this is a legacy page and will no longer be updated. The latest updates on migrant small boat crossing numbers can be found here.
Definition of a small boat
A small boat is one of a number of vessels used by individuals who cross the English Channel, with the aim of gaining entry to the UK without a visa or permission to enter either directly by landing in the UK or having been intercepted at sea by the authorities and brought ashore. The most common small vessels detected making these types of crossings are rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs), dinghies and kayaks.
About the data
- Data published under Ministry of Defence primacy over small boat crossings was provisional management information taken from live operational systems and are subject to change, including reduction
- Finalised and authoritative data on small boat arrivals will be included in the quarterly Irregular migration to the UK release
The UK data include individuals who:
- are detected on arrival in the UK
- are detected in the Channel by UK authorities and subsequently brought to the UK
These data do not include individuals who:
- arrive in the UK on larger vessels, such as go-fast craft, yachts, motor cruisers, tugs and fishing vessels although these are rarely used by irregular migrants at present
- arrive in the UK clandestinely on larger vessels not referenced above, including where hidden in a vehicle on a ferry
- arrive in the UK undetected, or where there have been reports of people making the crossing, but no actual encounters
Related information
Migrants detected crossing the English Channel in small boats - monthly data