UK

Channel crossings: 564 migrants arrive in UK as man dies attempting journey

The latest figures take the total for 2024 so far to more than 30,000.

Channel crossings continued on Thursday
Channel crossings continued on Thursday (Gareth Fuller/PA)

More than 500 migrants arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel on the day a man died trying to make the journey.

According to the Home Office, 564 people arrived in 12 boats on Wednesday, taking the provisional total for the year so far to 30,431.

The latest arrivals mean the total for 2024 to date is up 14% on the figure recorded this time last year (26,605) but down 24% on 2022 (39,883).

(PA Graphics/Press Association Images)

A man, believed to be a father, was declared dead when he was brought ashore in the rescue.

It was the 10th death this month and means the number of people who have died while trying to cross the Channel this year now stands at 50, according to incidents recorded by the French coastguard.

Channel crossings continued on Thursday, with pictures showing groups of people wearing life jackets arriving in Dover, Kent, on a Border Force boat.