I have always thought the obvious and these migrants are just looking for a better life than they have in their own country. Wouldn't anyone if they see the land of milk and honey just a hop, skip and a jump across the water.
I (((might))) feel differently about their polite if they were truly destitute and on the seat of their pants but the vast majority pay a handsome fee to be ferried over with the intention of being the trail blazer for their extended family. For once they have been accepted they then use all the human rights legislation to bring them over as well.
It must be hard, even for the armed forces, to turn boat loads of people away with the thought they might not make it back so picking them up ends up being the only option. You simply can't let them drown.
No one should be allowed to settle if they have arrived by illegal means. Confiscate the boats, arrest and if appropriate, deport the owners and simply take them back to the post or closest area they came from. There will come a point they use up all their money on each attempt.