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Migrants are brought to Dover harbour by Border Patrol, in Dover, U.K. August 9, 2020. /Reuters
The U.K. on Sunday appointed a commander to lead its response to illegal small boat crossings on the Channel, saying it would also explore tougher action after a series of migrant arrivals.
Dan O'Mahoney was named by the Interior minister Priti Patel as the new Clandestine Channel Threat Commander, a new role created to deal with the issue.
Hundreds of migrants, including women and children, have taken advantage of calm sea conditions in recent days to make the crossing on rubber dinghies and small vessels.
Reuters quotes the UK's Border Force to say it was dealing with "ongoing small boat incidents" off the coast of Kent in southern England, 33-km (21-mile) across the Channel from France.
"The number of illegal small boat crossings is appalling. We are working to make this route unviable and arresting the criminals facilitating these crossings and making sure they are brought to justice," said Patel.
"Dan's appointment is vital to cutting this route by bringing together all operational partners in the U.K. and in France."
On his part, O'Mahoney said his new role was critical in aiding the U.K. "end the heinous crime of people smuggling across the Channel."
"I look forward to working closely with the Home Secretary and Minister for Immigration Compliance as well as with law enforcement bodies in the UK and France to bring to bear every capability available to tackle this critically important issue," he said.
