French maritime forces rescued more than 6,000 migrants attempting the perilous Channel crossing to Britain last year, according to an annual report released on Friday. The same period saw 25 fatalities, with two people still missing.
French maritime prefecture for the Channel and North Sea (PREMAR) disclosed these figures, highlighting that dangerous attempts to reach the UK in unseaworthy vessels have “not slowed down”.
France remains a primary departure point for migrants seeking a new life in Britain, where the centre-left Labour government faces mounting pressure from hard-right factions to reduce immigration.
PREMAR’s report details that nearly 50,000 people embarked on 795 boat journeys from France to the United Kingdom in 2025. Officials successfully rescued 6,177 people during these operations, while confirming 25 deaths.
A separate tally by AFP, utilising official French and British sources, indicates the total death toll reached at least 29.
Authorities warned that smuggling networks are exposing migrants to escalating risks. The report noted a continued rise in the number of people crammed onto each vessel, with the average climbing from 26 in 2021 to 63 in 2025. Ten boats were recorded carrying over 100 passengers last year.
PREMAR also observed the persistent use of “taxi boats” – craft that depart shore nearly empty before collecting dozens of migrants who wade into shallow waters.
On the British side, officials recorded 41,472 arrivals via small boats in 2025. This marks the second-highest annual total, following the peak of 45,774 recorded in 2022.
