# Migrants smuggled to UK on bizarre new small boats route

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/migrants-smuggled-to-uk-on-bizarre-new-small-boats-route/
- Published: 2026-11-07T15:39:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-07T16:23:24+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Express (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2264161/migrants-smuggled-uk-bizarre-small-boats-route
- Topics: Offbeat, UK, Weird & Viral, World

## Key points

- A boat with 38 Afghans was intercepted off the Dutch coast.
- Its engine failed near Cadzand, about 100 miles from Dover.
- Increased patrols may be pushing smugglers to new launch points.

## Summary

A dinghy carrying 38 Afghan migrants was intercepted off the Dutch coast after setting out from the Netherlands, marking an unusual extension of small-boat smuggling routes towards the UK. The incident suggests criminal gangs may be changing launch locations to avoid increased patrols on routes from northern France.

The boat was found near Cadzand, about 100 miles from Dover, after its engine failed; two Sudanese men piloting it were arrested on suspicion of people smuggling. Six of the passengers were boys. UK patrols and enforcement activity were associated with a 40% fall in crossings from France between 1 January and 31 October compared with the same period last year, while officials in the UK and Netherlands warned that routes may shift further north.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.