A small inflatable boat carrying an estimated 165 migrants crossed the English Channel on Wednesday, setting a new record for the highest number of people recorded in a single vessel during the ongoing migrant crossings. The group was intercepted by a Border Force vessel and brought ashore in Dover, England.

The inflatable craft, described by authorities as a “mega-dinghy,” appeared purpose-built for the Channel crossing. The French lifeboat service initially reported approximately 150 passengers aboard, calling the number “astonishing,” while other eyewitness accounts noted up to 165 individuals, surpassing the previous record of 128 migrants on July 12.

This incident occurred amid a resurgence of crossings following an 11-day lull caused by adverse weather conditions, including strong winds that had temporarily halted attempts. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) expressed surprise at the size of the group, highlighting the increased desperation and risk among migrants trying to reach the United Kingdom via this dangerous route.

Wednesday’s crossings marked the first since Andy Burnham assumed office as prime minister of the United Kingdom. Alongside the record-setting dinghy, a total of 172 migrants arrived on British shores that day. Observers noted that people traffickers appeared to have taken advantage of the recent calmer weather to resume their operations.

The Channel migrant crossings have been a persistent and contentious issue since 2018, with authorities continuing efforts to deter and intercept vessels while confronting the humanitarian challenges posed by irregular migration. The latest record highlights the increasing scale and complexity of attempts to cross through one of Europe’s busiest maritime passages.