Migrants rescued after small boat engine failed

Seventy-eight people have been rescued by the French coastguard after the engine of their small boat broke down as they attempted to cross the English Channel from Belgium.

The French authorities dispatched a number of vessels on Friday after receiving reports of multiple boats carrying migrants.

On Thursday 25 people were rescued having set off in small boats from France and Belgium.

Government figures show 522 migrants arrived in nine boats across the Channel between 18 and 20 March.

A statement from the French authorities said: "Following an engine failure of the migrant boat, the (coastguard vessel) rescued 78 people, then disembarked them at the quay in Calais for care by the rescue services on land."

It comes as the Home Office confirmed the head of the UK's Border Security Command will step down at the end of March.

Martin Hewitt has held the role for 18 months, and ministers are working on an interim arrangement before a permanent successor is appointed.

By Saturday 3,979 people had arrived in the UK via small boat this year, according to official figures.

Last year saw the second highest number of crossings for a calendar year in recent times.

There have also been a number of small boat launches from Belgium, further away from the traditional sites in Calais and Dunkirk.

Earlier this month minister for border security and asylum Alex Norris held talks with his Belgian counterparts.

Belgium police have stepped up patrols and suggested the recent attempts were due to increased pressure on smugglers in France.

The latest National Crime Agency (NCA) threats assessment highlighted how a larger number of people reached the UK in fewer boats in 2025.

It said on average 62 people were discovered in each boat, up from 53 in 2024.

NCA director general Graeme Biggar said smugglers had also changed tactics.

He said: "Following French disruptions on the beaches, the criminals have switched to using 'taxi boats' where the boat is inflated and launched on a canal or river and then sailed along the beaches picking up passengers."

The Home Office said it was working with international partners to drive down small boat crossings.

The government has pledged to destroy the gangs in order to reduce the numbers crossing in small boats.

Additional reporting from PA Media

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.