Migrants' Channel Crossings Surge, Despite Record Numbers

0:00On March 23rd, migrants keep trying across the English Channel in small boats despite the dangers. On Sunday, a large group of mostly young men launched from Grave Line's beach in France, climbing aboard an inflatable dinghy without life jackets, as... French jean d'armes watched, but did not intervene. Last week, more than 500 people reached the UK over three days, starting with 262 on Wednesday, that pushed the total for this year, past 4,000, with even more rivals spotted in Dover Harbor, that same Sunday. Britain's border security commander, Martin Hewitt, stepped down on Friday, after just 18 months on the job, as crossing state a record. Levels. Officials blame organized gangs, but numbers have not dropped under the current government. Since Keir Starmer took office as Prime Minister 20 months ago, more than 67,000 have made the journey, outpacing the 65. 1784, who crossed during Boris Johnson's 39 months in power. Heavy winds stop crossings on Saturday, but French rescuers save 78 migrants whose boat failed off Belgium.

1:05As weather improves this week, both French and British authorities are preparing for another wave of attempts.