Up to SIXTY migrants arrive in Dover after being picked up on boats in the English Channel as number making journey this year nears 8,200
- More than 8,000 men, women and children have crossed the Channel this year
- The number of crossings this year is four times higher than those seen in 2019
- Today's arrivals are the first to make the dangerous crossing since November 11
- Comes amid claims that Priti Patel could be demoted for handling of the crisis
Up to sixty migrants have arrived in Dover today after being picked up on small boats in the English Channel - as the number of people making the journey this year nears 8,200.
Border Force workers were seen helping men and women to shore after picking them up off the Kent coast earlier today - nearly two weeks after the last crossing.
It comes as more than 8,000 men asylum seekers, including children, made the dangerous crossing in small boats this year - more than four times the numbers seen in 2019.
Border Force officials are thought to have helped up to 60 migrants who were stranded in the English Channel earlier today
Official Government figures face the current number of migrants to cross this year at 8,143, not including today's arrivals.
A break in cold and windy weather allowed people smugglers to arrange more crossings today, as the later months make the journey even more perilous in the world's busiest shipping lane.
The first boat was brought into Dover Marina, Kent shortly after 9am.
Approximately 14 men wearing coats, face masks and red life jackets were brought to shore on the back of Border Force vessel Speedwell.
Border Force officials escorted the migrants to Dover today as crossings continue to take place
They were escorted up the gangway by immigration officers who wrapped blankets around them to keep warm.
A smaller black Border Force dinghy then brought in around 15 more migrants at around 10.30am.
One man looked to be freezing cold as he clung to his light blue blanket for warmth.
The same vessel was used to bring in the two rigid hulled inflatable boats the groups of migrants had used to make the treacherous 21-mile journey across the Dover Strait.
It is understood more attempted crossings were intercepted throughout the day.
Share this article
Today's arrivals come amid claims that Home Secretary Priti Patel could be demoted over her handling of the migrant crisis this year.
'The view of the political operation in No 10 was that she should be protected,' over allegations that she bullied civil servants within her department, a senior Tory told The Sunday Times.
They added: 'But there is also a view that she should be reshuffled on competence grounds.
Today's arrivals add to more than 8,000 men, women and children who have made the dangerous crossing
'There is continual frustration that the Home Office has not got a grip on things, the small boats in particular.'
The latest arrivals are the first migrants to cross the Channel since Wednesday November 11.
It comes after 563 arrived the previous week with crossings intercepted every day from Thursday November 5.
After a busy summer of dangerous crossings, their appeared to be a lull in activity in The Channel, but crossings have continued into November - when darker and colder conditions make the journey even more perilous
The Maritime Prefecture of the Channel and the North Sea warned of strong high tides from Saturday November 14 to Tuesday November 17.
It called for vigilance and caution with wind gusts recorded at 55mph.
Stormy weather continued to disrupt people smugglers but fine conditions at sea are set to continue this week.
MailOnline has approached the Home Office for comment.
Most watched News videos
- Moment escaped Household Cavalry horses rampage through London
- British Army reveals why Household Cavalry horses escaped
- Wills' rockstar reception! Prince of Wales greeted with huge cheers
- 'Dine-and-dashers' confronted by staff after 'trying to do a runner'
- BREAKING: King Charles to return to public duties Palace announces
- Prison Break fail! Moment prisoners escape prison and are arrested
- Russia: Nuclear weapons in Poland would become targets in wider war
- Shocking moment British woman is punched by Thai security guard
- Don't mess with Grandad! Pensioner fights back against pickpockets
- Ashley Judd shames decision to overturn Weinstein rape conviction
- Prince Harry presents a Soldier of the Year award to US combat medic
- Shocking moment pandas attack zookeeper in front of onlookers
