1,620 small-boat arrivals recorded across five days in latest Home Office data
Provisional Home Office data shows 1,620 people arrived in the UK in 21 small boats between 2 and 6 October.
By Keep Updated UK Newsdesk
Published:
A total of 1,620 people were recorded arriving in the UK by small boat across five consecutive days, according to the latest Home Office operational data.
The figures cover 2 October to 6 October 2026 and involve a total of 21 boats.
The daily figures were:
- 2 October — 91 people, 1 boat
- 3 October — 164 people, 2 boats
- 4 October — 418 people, 5 boats
- 5 October — 609 people, 8 boats
- 6 October — 338 people, 5 boats
No arrivals were recorded on either 30 September or 1 October.
Figures can change
The Home Office describes the daily figures as provisional operational data.
That means they may subsequently be revised.
Finalised information about small-boat crossings is published through the government's quarterly immigration statistics.
Why do daily numbers vary so much?
Crossing activity can change significantly from one day to another.
Keep Updated UK is separately examining factors associated with high and low crossing days, including weather, wind and Channel sea conditions.
That research will be kept separate from the official arrival figures so that correlations are not presented as proven causes without supporting evidence.
Keep Updated UK heading to the coast
Keep Updated UK is preparing for an on-the-ground reporting visit to Dover and Ramsgate.
The purpose of the trip is to document what can be observed first-hand, examine publicly available information and build a clearer picture of Channel operations.
Our reporting will distinguish between what we personally observe, what official organisations confirm and what remains unverified.
Sources
- Home Office / Border Force — Small boat arrivals: last 7 days
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