200 migrants crossed Channel in busiest May day yet

Almost 200 migrants crossed the Channel on Thursday making May the busiest month for small boat crossings of the year so far.

Despite being just two weeks in, 835 have arrived this month already - surpassing March's 831.

It was the second highest daily total of 2021 beaten only by April 28 when 209 arrived in nine boats.

French authorities also prevented a further 53 migrants from attempting the crossing in three boats on Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

Despite downpours of rain, Border Force intercepted the first boat of the day at around 7.30am.

Its 20 occupants were brought to shore on the back of cutter Speedwell.

More were seen huddling blankets and wearing face masks on the back of Border Force vessel Hunter around 9.30am.

An additional 15 migrants also reportedly managed to land their boat on a beach in Dungeness, Kent.

They were seen next to a police van with officers keeping watch while Speedwell continued to taxi migrants into the harbour in Dover.

French authorities also had to rescue eight migrants after their boat started taking on water off Dunkirk around 11am.

The crisis in the Channel shows no sign of slowing down as Tuesday's 186 arrivals now sits at the third highest daily figure for the year heading into the warmer, calmer weather in the summer months.

A total of 2,943 migrants have arrived so far this year.