Teen charged over record crossing on 'mega dinghy'
A 19-year-old has been charged for piloting a large dinghy carrying 165 migrants across the English Channel. While the number of small boat crossings in 2026 is lower than in previous years, authorities remain concerned about the increasing danger of overcrowding on these vessels.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing challenges regarding illegal migration, border security, and the safety of asylum seekers in the UK.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, The dinghy was approximately the size of a standard bus
A teenager charged over a small boat Channel crossing was allegedly piloting a "mega dinghy" carrying a record 165 migrants from France to England, the National Crime Agency has said.
Sudanese national Chan Mathok Atak, 19, is accused of endangering another during a journey by sea to the UK on Thursday and is due to appear at Margate Magistrates' Court on Monday.
The number on the dinghy broke the previous record from July, when 128 crossed the Channel from France on one vessel.
According to Home Office figures, more than 13,000 arrivals have been recorded in 2026, which is 45% lower than this time in 2025 and down 18% on the same period in 2024.
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