Atak Denies Piloting 165-Migrant Channel Dinghy, Faces Trial Over New Sea-Endangerment Charge
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 27
Atak Denies Piloting 165-Migrant Channel Dinghy, Faces Trial Over New Sea-Endangerment Charge
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 27
Summary
Margate Magistrates Court heard 19-year-old Chan Mathok Atak deny piloting a dinghy carrying more than 160 migrants across the English Channel; he was remanded in custody and will appear at Canterbury Crown Court on Aug. 24.
Prosecutors say the 13-meter rigid-hulled inflatable left France for Dover on Thursday with 165 people aboard, and that Atak was one of two people controlling its speed and course.
The vessel was described as poor quality, overcrowded and apparently deflating when Border Force intercepted it, making it a record crossing above the previous single-boat high of 128 arrivals.
The case tests a new sea-endangerment offense introduced under Prime Minister Keir Starmer to target alleged small-boat pilots; in June, two men became the first jailed under the law, each for more than two years.