(BBC) Small boats carrying 281 people were intercepted trying to cross the Channel on Tuesday.
Border Force officials stopped seven boats, while French authorities intercepted one crossing carrying a further 20 migrants.
So far this year more than 9,700 people have reached the UK in dinghies.
The Home Office has called the crossings “dangerous” and said those without a legal right to remain in the UK would be returned home.
Dan O’Mahoney, clandestine channel threat commander, said there has been a rise in small boat crossings due to “a surge in illegal migration across Europe.”
