Dozens of people on board two dinghies reached Britain's south coast last night - the latest migrants to take the risky journey this year crossing the English Channel from France, reported Reuters, quoted by BTA.
Drifting on the waves, the rickety vessels passed early this morning through the narrow strip of sea separating France and Britain. A French warship followed the boats until they entered British territorial waters.
The passengers, mostly men, some wearing orange life jackets and waving their hands, were put on board a British coastguard vessel off the town of Dover.
The arrivals of illegal migrants illustrate the difficulties facing British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in his pledge to tackle the problem and "stop the boats" before the parliamentary elections, which are expected to be held later this year, notes Reuters.
More than 8,000 people have arrived in Britain in small boats since the start of the year, many fleeing war or mass starvation and traveling across Europe to reach the island.
Sunak hopes his policy to transfer illegal migrants to Rwanda will deter illegal crossings. The first direct flights to the central African country are expected to take place in 9 to 11 weeks, according to Reuters.
"The unacceptable number of people who continue to cross the Channel shows exactly why we need to start flights to Rwanda as soon as possible," said a spokesman for the British Home Office. "We continue to work closely with the French police, who are facing increasing violence and violations on the country's beaches as they work tirelessly to prevent these dangerous, illegal and unnecessary trips," he added.