More migrants are intercepted across the Channel in May than a "major incident" in December

This month, the number of migrants attempting to cross the Channel is higher than the number recorded in December, when a "major incident" was declared.

A border force cutter intercepted Saturday morning eight men heading for the British coast in a small boat.

According to the BBC's badysis, 138 migrants were welcomed while they were trying to make the crossing, bringing to 140 the total number of people registered for the month of May.

Interior Minister Sajid Javid has declared a "major incident", shortened the family holidays and announced that two other members of the Border Force would monitor the Channel at the end of last year .

Factors such as good weather and the calm of the sea can lead to an increase in the number of people attempting to cross.

A Home Office spokesman said: "Anyone crossing the Channel in a small boat takes a huge risk with his life.

"Since the Interior Minister declared a major incident in December, two cutter ships have returned to British waters after overseas operations, we have agreed on a plan of action." Joint action with France and increased activity from the Joint Coordination and Information Center in Calais.

"According to the established principle, those who need protection must seek asylum in the first safe country they go to. Since January, more than 30 people who arrived illegally in the United Kingdom on small boats have been sent elsewhere in Europe. "

The group of eight men found on Saturday was taken to Dover, Kent, where they found themselves in good health before being questioned by immigration officials.

Seven of them said they were Iranians, while the eighth said he was Afghan.

Earlier this month, government figures indicated a total of 739 migrants planning or attempting to cross the English Channel in small boats between 14 months and the end of February.

The figure includes: 135 persons who arrived in the United Kingdom without being intercepted; 293 were intercepted and brought to the United Kingdom; 144 who were intercepted and sent back to France; and 167 linked to departures from France.