With enforcement tightened along France's northern coast, crossing attempts have shifted to carrying more people from more distant departure points, the Kyunghyang Shinmun reported, including a dinghy carrying 140 that crossed the English Channel.

The Channel narrows to about 33 kilometres at its shortest, yet is among the busiest waterways in the world. Overlapping with shipping lanes and swept by strong tides, it is classified as high-risk for small craft.

Loading far beyond capacity raises the danger directly. Boats carrying more than a hundred people have been reported as an increasing pattern in recent years.

The observation that tighter enforcement changes routes and methods rather than reducing attempts is long-standing. As departure points move west, voyages lengthen and risk rises with them.

Britain and France have signed cooperation agreements on surveillance staffing and equipment. Disagreement over cost-sharing and return procedures has nonetheless recurred between them.

Sea routes in Asia have likewise shifted with the season and the intensity of enforcement. Analysts note that what has actually reduced deaths, in any region, is expanded rescue capacity.