A drop in small boats illegally reaching the UK is forcing people smuggling gangs to adopt new tactics, a BBC investigation has found. And there are claims of more ‘mega-dinghies’ being prepared, of the type seen arriving on UK shores in recent weeks.

New Strategy by Smugglers

The image of a 15-metre long small boat carrying a record 230 migrants towards the UK drew condemnation from both newspapers and politicians. Ministers were accused of ‘losing control’ of illegal Channel crossings, and the French police again found themselves criticised for not intervening.

But evocative as the picture was, it also represented a new strategy by the increasingly frustrated people smugglers we encountered on France’s northern shores – who attacked our crew with stones, and injured our cameraman.

They are running low on small boats, we have found. And once rival criminal groups are now having to work together by loading more migrants on fewer, larger vessels – just like the ‘mega dinghy’. The UK and France are announcing measures to increase the number of police officers on the French coast in order to try to stop the migrants.

Concerns Over Increased Risk

The latest initiative comes as Andy Burnham prepares to host French President Emmanuel Macron at Downing Street for the first time since becoming prime minister. Gang members have told our sources that others are being prepared, to the concern of emergency teams on both sides of the Channel, because of the increased risk to more lives. On 4 August 170 people had to be rescued after theirs caught fire in the middle of the Channel.

With French officers claiming they are now intercepting two-thirds of small boats before they can reach the coast, that means fewer crossing opportunities. And for those hoping to make the journey, it means a higher price. Today, the gangs are quoting up to €2,000 (£1,700) per person. It used to be around €1,300 just a year ago. Their passengers also have to now pay in cash, to ensure commitment.

Smuggling Tactics Evolve

During one early low tide on Gravelines beach, we saw the only small boat to launch that day, and it was not what we expected. At 09:30, a dozen or so migrants emerged from the sand dunes. Their distinctive orange life jackets, purchased from a local sports shop, made them easy to identify.

A need for speed at this point would be a fair assumption, but this was not to be the case. There was no running. It was almost orderly. A refined process where instructions were obeyed. As they waded into the calm shallows of the Channel, their ‘taxi boat’ came into view. It is simply a small boat that has departed from further along the coastline to avoid detection. Only now, they are being forced to set off from even greater distances. This one had left from Belgium.

The reason for the group not rushing was because the boat was already in the water. French police argue they are prevented from intervening at this point over fears of people drowning. It is to the long frustration of the British authorities, who would like their neighbours to at least adopt a more ‘case-by-case’ approach. As they clutch their phones in plastic wrapping, the group patiently waits for what they hope will be a voyage to a better life in the UK. Some tell me they are from Afghanistan. They are eager to catch their ride. Those who make it on are visibly elated.

After the last passenger, a young boy, is almost thrown on board, it inches out to sea, but it is not leaving yet. At 09:49, another group of migrants move into the water and wait to be collected. An hour later, the boat indeed does return, but to another gathering that has emerged on a different part of the beach. A few run the vast distance across the sand to try to secure a spot. Most manage to clamber on. As police officers watch from the shore, the small boat goes on to make five collections like this over three hours. The boarding becomes more frantic as the window of opportunity shrinks.

By 12:11, the small boat, with 82 people on board, finally moves off into the busiest shipping lane in the world. It is dwarfed by the passenger ferries in the background. Everyone successfully made it to the UK. Small boats typically radio for help once they are in British waters, as the coastguard is compelled to rescue them and take them to shore.