Border Force plans to launch fleet of 55mph jet-skis costing £20,000 each to patrol the Channel and deter migrant boat gangs

  • Border Force now wants to add four Sea Doo jet-skis to help patrol the Channel
  • Record numbers of migrants risked their lives to make the crossing this year 
  • Its rigid-hulled inflatable boats are deemed a risk in ‘close quarters engagement’

Britain's Border Force is planning to launch a fleet of high-speed jet-skis to patrol the Channel in its fight to deter migrant boat gangs.

The Home Office wants to buy four Sea Doo GTX 170 vessels, each costing up to £20,000 and capable of reaching 55mph.

Record numbers of migrants have risked their lives to make the crossing this year, with more than 8,500 estimated to have reached Britain – up from 1,850 last year.

Britain's Border Force is planning to launch a fleet of high-speed jet-skis to patrol the Channel in its fight to deter migrant boat gangs

Britain's Border Force is planning to launch a fleet of high-speed jet-skis to patrol the Channel in its fight to deter migrant boat gangs

In October, five members of a Kurdish-Iranian family drowned after their overcrowded semi-rigid boat sank in poor weather.

Border Force wants the jet-skis because its rigid-hulled inflatable boats are deemed to pose a risk in ‘close quarters engagement’ as they can ‘ride up on to a small dingy and risk injury to those inside’.

A contract inviting bids, published by the Home Office last week, stipulates the jet-skis must have ‘lifting points’ to help migrants out of dinghies.

The Sea Doo GTX Fish Pro 170 is normally sold for use in game fishing. After trials with two Sea Doo jet-skis, Border Force now wants four to add to its five patrol boats and six coastal patrol vehicles.

Last week, Home Secretary Priti Patel agreed to pay France £28 million to double its number of officers trying to stop migrants crossing the Channel.

Border Force wants the jet-skis because its rigid-hulled inflatable boats are deemed to pose a risk in ¿close quarters engagement¿ as they can ¿ride up on to a small dingy and risk injury to those inside¿ [File photo]

Border Force wants the jet-skis because its rigid-hulled inflatable boats are deemed to pose a risk in ‘close quarters engagement’ as they can ‘ride up on to a small dingy and risk injury to those inside’ [File photo]