Teen denies record Channel migrant dinghy crossing
Summary
A 19-year-old Sudanese teenager, Chan Mathok Atak, denies charges of endangering the lives of over 160 migrants by allegedly driving a large boat across the English Channel. He is due to appear again in court on August 24.Key Facts
- Chan Mathok Atak is 19 years old and originally from Sudan.
- He is accused of piloting a dinghy carrying more than 160 migrants from France to England.
- Atak denies the charge of endangering lives at sea and denies piloting the boat.
- The boat was a rigid inflatable, about 13 meters (42 feet) long, similar in size to a standard bus.
- The boat was overcrowded and appeared to be deflating when Border Force intercepted it.
- The crossing set a record for the highest number of migrants on a single vessel at 165, surpassing the previous record of 128.
- Endangerment at sea is a new crime in the UK, created by the government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer to target those steering small boats across the Channel.
- Atak was remanded in custody and will appear next at Canterbury Crown Court on August 24.
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