Illegal immigration SOARS to new record: More than 45,000 people have now crossed the Channel in small boats this year - EXCLUSIVE

The number of people crossing the English Channel has now passed 45,000 after another 401 migrants made the journey on Wednesday.

The latest arrivals in 8 small boats happened, even as one of those inflatables met a tragic end in UK waters, with the loss of 4 lives.

At least another 4 migrants are still missing and presumed dead.The total number of people who have crossed the English Channel since the beginning of January now stands at 45,223, according to GB News analysis of the figures.

That compares to 28,526 people who made it to UK waters in the whole of 2021.UK authorities resumed a search for those missing in the English Channel today, after their boat started deflating about 8 miles from the Kent coast.

A passing scallop trawler managed to rescue more than 30 people in the water. The rest were located by Lifeboats, Border Force and Royal Navy vessels.

Although 4 migrants are confirmed to have died, authorities believe at least another 4 are still unaccounted for.The Marine Accident Investigation Branch is carrying out an initial investigation, with the possibility of commencing a full inquiry later.

The Prime Minister and Home Secretary said the UK government would re double efforts to break the model of the people smuggling criminal gangs.

The tragedy came less than 24 hours after Rishi Sunak unveiled a multi-pronged plan to tackle the Channel migrant crisis.

Among the measures announced was the creation of a dedicated Small Boats Operational Command which will see an additional 600 personnel seconded to Dover and other locations in Kent and London.