More and more people are taking to small dinghies to cross the English Channel to the UK, in spite of the efforts on both sides to stop them. Many are desperate to escape unemployment and homelessness they experienced elsewhere in Europe. This year, French maritime authorities say, at least 6,200 migrants have attempted to cross the English Channel from France in small boats. Over 4,000 have made it to the shores of the UK – the rest were intercepted by French authorities before they reached Britain. At least one person drowned in the attempt. The recent sharp rise in Channel crossings continues to alarm politicians in the UK. The Home Minister Priti Patel has taken a tough stance, saying she wants to make the route “unviable” and send boats back to France.