AdvertisementWorldEuropeRefugees 230 in one boat: Migrants are piling onto mega-dinghies to get to UK Nick Gutteridge , Max Stephens , Vivian Song and Charles Hymas August 11, 2026 — 1:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Many of the “mega-dinghies” used for Channel crossings are manufactured in China, then shipped via commercial routes through countries such as Turkey and Bulgaria to European staging posts, chiefly Germany. UK government sources said smuggling gangs were turning to such large vessels out of desperation to make the crossings financially viable. Many of the “mega-dinghies” used for Channel crossings are manufactured in China and then shipped to European staging posts, chiefly Germany. “We are making progress, with the number of small boat crossings down this year and the lowest number recorded for the month of July since 2020.