Desperate migrant tried to reach Britain in PEDALO stolen from French beach on worst day of illegal Channel crossings

A DESPERATE migrant tried to reach Britain in a pedalo stolen from a French beach.

He was among 200 stopped by Border Force teams on the worst day on record for illegal Channel crossing bids.

2

Another two migrants tried to reach Britain by paddling a canoe across shipping lanes.

And others were picked up in inflatables dropped by “mother ships” in choppy seas.

A source said: “Many migrants see it as a ‘now or never’ moment before the UK government cracks down on crossings.

“They fear there will be a major push to curb the attempts and see July as their best opportunity.

“One migrant even stole a pedalo from a French beach and was found out at sea.

Most read in UK News

GONE TOO SOON

Tragedy as 'extraordinary & cherished' little girl, 4, dies in horror crash

EVIL WALKING

Shannon Matthews' mum Karen seen for first time since co-kidnapper died

GUN HORROR

Gunman whips pistol from holster & opens fire on busy high street as kids flee

SAVED TO RAPE

Asylum seeker whose deportation was blocked by jet crew went on to rape teen

"In stormy waters he wouldn’t have stood a chance.”

The 200 migrants, in about 40 vessels, were stopped ­by Border Force officials, backed up by the RNLI and police.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “We will stop at nothing to end these crossings.”

2

GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk