In brief
French officials have successfully intercepted their first 'taxi-boat' aimed at transporting illegal migrants across the Channel to the UK. This operation, which occurred in Gravelines, marks a departure from previous strategies focused on beach interventions, now targeting smugglers in the water. Following increased demand from the UK, France agreed to these new tactics at a summit last year. The change addresses concerns over safety and has led to an effective strategy against migrant smuggling operations.
French officials have made their first interception on the water as part of a new policy aimed at stopping small boats carrying illegal migrants to the UK.
A so-called taxi-boat was boarded by French officers on Saturday on the Aa canal in Gravelines, which is on the Channel coast above Calais.
This follows a change of tactics agreed in November after growing pressure from the UK government to step up interventions.
A photograph of the aftermath of the operation obtained by the BBC shows a number of men - apparently people-smugglers - on an inflatable dinghy with the police launch alongside. The inflatable is then towed to the dockside.
The French maritime prefecture declined to comment to the BBC, stating there was an ongoing judicial investigation regarding the small boat.
France agreed to the new tactics at a summit in the UK last July between President Emmanuel Macron and Sir Keir Starmer.
Previously, French police only intervened to stop small boats as they were being prepared for launch on beaches. Intervening at sea was considered too dangerous.
However, smugglers' gangs adapted by using taxi-boats that operate away from the beach and pick up migrants at sea. Official documents indicated that this method was notably effective, achieving an 81% success rate in 2025.
Despite an increase in migrants reaching the UK from France last year - from 36,566 in 2024 to 41,472 - figures were still below the peak of 45,774 in 2022.
Post the July 2025 agreement, concerns regarding the risk to life and potential liability for officers delayed action at sea. These concerns now appear addressed, with protocols allowing gendarmes to intervene against taxi-boats before they take on migrants.
During Saturday's operation, police suspected the inflatable was about to pick up migrants, prompting their intervention.
