Channel smuggling gangs resort to 'mega-dinghies' as crackdown limits small boat supply

A drop in small boats illegally reaching the UK is forcing people smuggling gangs to adopt new tactics, a BBC investigation has found.

And there are claims of more "mega-dinghies" being prepared, of the type seen arriving on UK shores in recent weeks.

The image of a 15-metre long small boat carrying a record 230 migrants towards the UK drew condemnation from both newspapers and politicians.

Ministers were accused of "losing control" of illegal Channel crossings, and the French police again found themselves criticised for not intervening.

But evocative as the picture was, it also represented a new strategy by the increasingly frustrated people smugglers we encountered on France's northern shores - who attacked our crew with stones, and injured our cameraman.

They are running low on small boats, we have found. And once rival criminal groups are now having to work together by loading more migrants on fewer, larger vessels - just like the "mega dinghy".

The UK and France are announcing measures to increase the number of police officers on the French coast in order to try to stop the migrants.

The latest initiative comes as Andy Burnham prepares to host French President Emmanuel Macron at Downing Street for the first time since becoming prime minister.

Track UK's latest migration numbers - net migration, visas, asylum and small boats

Gang members have told our sources that others are being prepared, to the concern of emergency teams on both sides of the Channel, because of the increased risk to more lives. On 4 August 170 people had to be rescued after theirs caught fire in the middle of the Channel.

With French officers claiming they are now intercepting two-thirds of small boats before they can reach the coast, that means fewer crossing opportunities. And for those hoping to make the journey, it means a higher price.

Today, the gangs are quoting up to €2,000 (£1,700) per person. It used to be around €1,300 just a year ago. Their passengers also have to now pay in cash, to ensure commitment.

During one early low tide on Gravelines beach, we saw the only small boat to launch that day, and it was not what we expected.

At 09:30, a dozen or so migrants emerged from the sand dunes. Their distinctive orange life jackets, purchased from a local sports shop, made them easy to identify.