Nearly 600 people made the perilous trip across the English Channel on a single day this week - new daily record.
On the day an Eritrean man died trying to reach the UK, at least 592 people succeeded in making the dangerous crossing, the latest government figures show.
The 27-year-old died after he and four others jumped overboard as their boat started to sink in the Dover Strait on Thursday.
His 22-year-old girlfriend watched as he entered the water before she was later rescued, a French migrant help association said.
After being returned to port in Dunkirk, she later discovered that her boyfriend had died after being taken to hospital in Calais.
A manslaughter investigation is now under way in France following the death.
Latest figures provided by the Home Office show at least 592 people were rescued or intercepted in their bids to cross to Britain on Thursday – a new record for a single day.
At least 155 people were intercepted by French authorities and returned to the continent on Thursday.
The new high mark eclipses the previous record of 482 set just over a week earlier on August 4, according to data compiled by the PA news agency.
More than 11,000 people have now succeeded in crossing the Dover Strait aboard small boats in 2021, the data shows.
Thursday’s loss of life did not stop more people from attempting the journey on Friday, with individuals seen being brought into the port of Dover in Kent after crossing the Channel.
The Home Office said 25 people reached the UK aboard one boat on Friday while others were returned to France.
Lisa Doyle, director of advocacy and engagement at the Refugee Council, said: “The Government needs to recognise that while there is war, persecution and violence, people will be forced to take dangerous journeys to seek safety.
“We are talking about ordinary men, women and children who are forced to flee their home through no fault of their own. The odds are stacked against them but they struggle on to survive.
“The government must change its approach. Instead of seeking to punish or push away people seeking safety because of the type of journey they have made to the UK, they must create and commit to safe routes.
“As a country, we can save lives and empower people, who have already been through so much, to give back to the communities that welcome them.”
The Home Office’s Clandestine Channel Threat Commander Dan O’Mahoney said: “Last Thursday’s death is a tragic reminder of the importance of stopping migrants from leaving the safety of France on these dangerous crossings.
“The Government’s New Plan for Immigration is the only long-term solution to fix the broken system, tackle the criminal gangs and prevent more tragedies.”
Home Secretary Priti Patel and her department have repeatedly vowed to make the Channel route “unviable”, but crossings have continued to rise.
Charities have criticised Ms Patel and called for the establishment of more safe and legal routes for people wanting to claim asylum in the UK.
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