Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleGeorge LithgowFriday 24 July 2026 15:01 BSTThe ‘mega dinghy’ being towed into Dover (Gareth Fuller/PA)A record 165 migrants crossed the Channel to the UK in a single boat on Thursday, exceeding the previous high of 128 from July.The vessel, described as a 'mega dinghy' and estimated to be 13 metres long, was pictured being towed into Dover by Border Security Command.Refugee charity Care4Calais warned that the increasing number of people per boat makes Channel crossings 'more and more dangerous,' attributing this to government policies.Home Office figures show 366 people arrived in the UK across three boats on Thursday, contributing to 13,007 arrivals this year, a 45% decrease compared to the same period last year.A Home Office spokesperson stated that criminal gangs are taking greater risks, leading to lives being lost, and highlighted a new deal with France aimed at preventing these perilous journeys.In full‘Mega dinghy’ carrying record 165 migrants at once crossed Channel to UKMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in